CONFORTI FAMILY RED GRAVY (SPAGHETTI SAUCE)

Steps:

• 1. This is a double batch. The single batch always gives me enough sauce for 2 dinners, so I double it and freeze the extra.
• 2. Use a large stock pot. (I've used a 6 qt. crock pot and without the meat added, it filled it right to the top!)
• 3. If adding meat, fry the sausage or meatballs until nice & browned. De-glaze the pan with a little wine to get all those browned bits. If NOT adding the meat, just add a little wine to the sauce.
• 4. Add all the ingredients into the pot with the seasonings being added as below.
• 5. ** For the seasonings, My husband's grandmother taught him to add the seasonings in this order as a boy. I thought it was cute. - First you see the grass grow (this is the oregano, basil, parsley); - then the snow falls on the grass (parmesan cheese); - then you see some frost on the snow (this is the sugar) Then, of course, you mix it all in. :)
• 6. Cook at a low boil for 8-10 hours. I replace the pot lid with a flat slotted pan (like a pizza pan) to allow moisture to escape. The sauce needs to cook down a bit and thicken.
• 7. ** Note: You can cook this recipe all day on LOW in a 6-quart or larger crock pot.