Preparation time: 4 HOURS.

Original recipe for 12 servings. Ingredients scaled for 12 servings.

1/4 c. olive oil-vegetable oil
3 whole cloves garlic
4 whole (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
3 whole (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
3 tbsp. dried oregano
3 tbsp. dried basil
2 whole bay leaves
Pinch of salt & pepper
2 tbsp. sugar

Set a large pot over medium heat. Pour in the oil and heat for a minute or two. Add the garlic and saute for a minute or until browned. Remove garlic and add tomatoes and the tomato paste, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Add (sugar if desired), oregano, basil, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the sauce, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes. If the sauce begins to stick to the sides or bottom of pot, lower the heat. Turn the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the sauce for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Before serving remove bay leaves.

CAUTION: If any sauce burns and sticks to the bottom of the pot, be careful not to stir it in with the sauce. This will affect taste.