SMOKY APPLE CIDER MARINARA SAUCE

If you’re wondering what apples and tomatoes have in common it’s this superbly engineered simple marinara sauce. Hey, they’re both fruits; they’re both acidic and sweet and they just happen to compliment each other. Serve over your favorite pasta, with pan-fried veggie chicken or use in any recipe calling for marinara sauce!

Makes 7 cups

2 T. margarine

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

8 lg. fresh garlic cloves, peeled and very thinly sliced

2 t. dried basil

2 t. dried tarragon

1/2 t. ground allspice

28 oz. can diced tomatoes

28 oz. can tomato puree

6 oz. can tomato paste

1 c. apple cider

2 t. plus to taste liquid smoke

2 t. garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

---

In large pot, over medium-low heat, melt margarine with oil.

Add sliced garlic, basil, tarragon and allspice. Saute, stirring often till garlic aroma fills the air, 3-5 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients, stirring after each addition. Cook at a slow bubble of a boil for about 20-30 minutes, stirring as needed. Salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately over pasta, or save to reheat and serve later.

---

Notes: Watch to be sure not to burn the garlic. However, when using a sufficient amount of oil/margarine, the garlic is less apt to burn as long as you keep the heat low and stir often.

---

---

---

---

---