Susan Sanderson's Marinara Sauce

This is an ALL DAY activity, so bring out a good book and send the kiddies to the neighbor's to play. Time consuming and messy (think Tomato Graffiti), but so very worth it! Padded shoes are in order...really, your feet will hurt!

12 qts. ground tomatoes - for all of you wondering how many fresh off the vine, peeled, pulverized tomatoes that is: LOTS. LOTS and LOTS and LOTS. Think in terms of bushels....and don't pick your own in 90+ degree weather.
- peel the tomatoes and puree them

- pour the pureed tomatoes into a LARGE (10 quarts or so) pot

- cook on medium heat, until the sauce has reduced by 1/4



7-10 onions (I use 7 large onions or 10 medium ones), pureed

10-12 cloves garlic, pressed

- add garlic and pureed onions to tomatoes

- let the sauce reduce again



2 c sugar

4 T salt

12 HEAPING (I mean it) T dried oregano

6 HEAPING T dried basil

3 HEAPING T dried thyme

6 bay leaves

- Add all the spices/herbs to the sauce

- let the sauce reduce again



3 twelve ounce cans of tomato paste

- let the sauce reduce again



To make the sauce smoother and less chunky, use an immersion blender to puree it further. Ladel in the prepared canning jars and seal