FRESH TOMATO SAUCE

Ingredients
3 pounds Florida Tomatoes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup chopped onion
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small bay leaf
2 tablespoons’ dry white wine (optional)

Directions

Use tomatoes held at room temperature until fully ripe.  Cut out stem ends of tomatoes.  Dice tomatoes (makes about 7 ½ cups); set aside.  In a large skilled heat oil until hot.  Add onion and garlic; sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.  Add salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, bay leaf and reserved tomatoes; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until tomatoes turn to a broth, about 15 minutes, stirring often.  Add wine; continue to simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes longer.  Remove bay leaf.  Serve over fresh cooked pasta or vegetables.

• 1 vegetable component