Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Now, when I say "homemade," I do not mean starting with fresh tomatoes.  Let's go ahead and get that clear, but other than that, it's what we call "homemade" around my family.

This is my mom's recipe that we've been making ever since I can remember.  It's the only way I've prepared spaghetti sauce and now I want to share it with you.  The only thing I can't share is the spice measurements; we just shake and taste.  :-)

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients:
1 (26.5 oz) can of spaghetti sauce (i.e. Hunts or Del Monte)
1 can of diced tomatoes or peeled whole tomatoes
onion, chopped
green bell pepper, chopped
garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
chili powder
Worcestershire sauce
oregano
black pepper
salt* (if needed)
sugar * (if salt is added)

Directions:

1. Sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic in skillet * or **.  (Remember to add garlic last; if you add garlic at the same time as the onions, the garlic will burn.)
2. *If using meat (ground hamburger or turkey):  Add ground meat into the skillet with the sauteed veggies.  Cook until browned all the way through.  Drain and then add to a large sauce pot.
3. ** If not using meat or using a meat substitute like Boca's Meatless Crumbles, then cook everything in the same large sauce pot.
4. In the sauce pot, add the can of spaghetti sauce, canned diced or whole tomatoes, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, oregano, and black pepper.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to low or simmer.
5. If necessary, add a little water so that the sauce is not too thick.  
6. If using a meat substitute, add it in after all the other ingredients have been added.  Adjust seasonings if necessary.
7. Simmer until all flavors have meshed well.  (I usually just go and do something else and simmer for a long while.)

* Here's the thing about the salt:  I didn't need any this time, depending on how much salt is in the other ingredients.  However, my mother's secret is this:  Anytime salt is added, a pinch of sugar should be added as well.

[I used the meatless crumbles and loved it in this dish!  I also sprinkled a little crushed red pepper and cheese on top.  Oooh la la.]

Oh yeah, be sure to take the bay leaf out in the end.  lol

Bon Appetit,