My husband threw me a curve ball last week. He announced he was doing the Whole 30 Program. Do you guys know about Whole 30? It’s a way of eating for 30 days that takes things out of your diet like dairy, sugar, soy, and all processed foods. The first week was super challenging (for both of us!) and now he’s feeling great. He made it through the withdrawal symptoms and I made it through the label reading.

I looked at his program like a culinary challenge. How can I make beautiful food that satisfies and is Whole 30 compliant? With a little planning and label reading, it’s totally doable. I don’t mean to bum you out but it turns out, there is sugar and chemicals in just about everything packaged. I’ve been working around this by coming up with different ideas that fall within the guidelines of the program and still keep food satisfying. The last thing I want anyone at my table to feel is deprived.

This insanely delicious tomato sauce has saved me more than a few times in the last 10 days. I’ve thrown it over roasted spaghetti squash, made a to-die-for bolognese, and drizzled it over mini Italian sausage frittatas. The sauce is perfect for my Whole 30 cooking challenge but it’s great for anyone who likes good food.

I’ve been making this sauce forever and usually have it on hand in my refrigerator. Marinara Sauce is one of the easiest things to make and completely delicious. This kind of sauce is perfect to have on hand to make a wonderful pasta in a pinch and makes simple things like breaded chicken taste like a restaurant experience .

I love creating something out of nothing. If you have canned tomatoes and garlic in your pantry, you are less than 30 minutes away from a fantastic sauce. The base of this recipe tastes like tomatoes at their peak with just the right hint of garlic and fresh basil. Use as is or go ahead and get creative. I’ve added things like crushed red pepper flakes, onion, and oregano to make this sauce whatever I want that day.

Enjoy!
xo

“I’m V.P. of Travel and Logistics. I’m also in charge of Dining Services Worldwide.” One of my funniest friends actually sent this in when her college asked her to detail what she has been doing with her life the last few years. As a mom with two kids, she pretty much nailed the job description, don’t you think? While I got a good laugh out of her alibi, the truth is she really summed up the life of a busy mom. With pick ups at two schools, sports, playdates, doctor appointments, and the occasional haircut, often times, we well-intentioned moms have zero time to make dinner.

There isn’t a mom who talks to me about food who doesn’t ask me how I get dinner on the table each night. The truth is, I’m a mom not a magician. Even with a great culinary education under my belt, I take short cuts…and cheat. No one gets bonus points for making everything from scratch! My family just wants a good dinner after a long day. It’s how we relax, connect, and recharge before homework, shower, and bed.

Since Julia Child and James Beard aren’t likely to swing by for dinner, I put meals like this on the table when I don’t want to hear, “Please pull forward to the first window.” This one is quick, easy, and super delicious. You don’t need to prepare the sauce in advance, but if I’m home for a bit during the day, it’s easy to throw together. That way, when I walk in the door from carpool, all I have to do is make pasta and heat up the sauce. Round out this meal with a crusty loaf of bread and a simple salad and you are good to go.

It will be our little secret that it took less than 30 minutes…
Shhh and enjoy!