Foods always bring me back to places, and this Basil Garlic Spaghetti Sauce is no different. This sauce reminds me of summers spent up at the cottage with my Grandmother. Lazy days spent fishing by the dock and feeding the ducks, or biking into town and splashing in the lake were always accompanied by a comforting spaghetti dinner. When the summer ended and we were no longer enjoying the freedom of cottage life, my sister and I would beg my Mom to make Grammy’s sauce, so much so that we ate it weekly. Even today, whenever I make this sauce, my sister will come into the kitchen and ask if I’m making Grammy’s sauce.


Here is the handwritten recipe she gave to my Mom years ago, that we still use today. I’ve changed just a couple of things in her recipe to have it suit me – switched out ground beef for ground turkey and took out the onion. It doesn’t effect the flavor as the sauce is simmered for an hour!

Basil Garlic Spaghetti Sauce (serves 4-6)

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lbs ground turkey
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp dried basil
salt & pepper to taste

Directions

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add the ground turkey and garlic, crumbling until meat is browned.

Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar and basil.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for an hour.

After the hour, season to taste and serve over spaghetti.

So there’s a favourite family recipe of my Grammy’s Basil Garlic Spaghetti Sauce, hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

- Lou

I know there are others out there like me, we’re the ones who are just not really into the Superbowl. Football isn’t really my thing. I’m more into figure skating, or soccer, or food. Which isn’t a sport, but it should be. So while North America is gearing up for the big game, I’m gearing up for the big night. We’re well on our way to The Oscars; The Critics Choice are a distant memory and The Golden Globes have come and gone, all that’s left is that coveted golden statue, Oscar. You see, there are tons of Oscar categories that unfortunately, go unnoticed. One of my favourite “under the radar” categories is the Best Original Score. Have you ever taken the time to listen to a score? They are beautiful, and they add so much to a film.

It’s only recently that I’ve begun to notice scores, but I’m so glad that I did. Not only are they stunning, they help me concentrate. Everyone has those times when things have to get serious. You throw your hair into a messy bun and set a plan to get all your readings done, or to reply to all of your emails or to write a couple of blog posts. It’s during those times when focusing is necessary that I turn to film scores to help me concentrate. One of my favourite websites, 8tracks.com has amazing playlists of movie scores. This is one of my current favourites as well as this playlist. Also, as you all know I love Harry Potter so naturally, I love listening the Harry Potter scores, they bring back so many memories.

Appetizer Meatballs (makes 40 small meatballs)
Recipe by Lou

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs minced pork
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup flour
2 1/2 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp cayenne
3/4 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients for the meatballs.

Using your hands, roll out 40 small meatballs. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.

Cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked. Serve with toothpicks.

Have a great Superbowl Sunday everyone, I’ll be off listening to my film scores.

- Lou