1 large fresh loaf Italian bread, sliced lengthwise down the middle
1 pkg. Provolone cheese slices (about 12)

HOMEMADE SAUCE:

1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes with liquid (Hunts)
1 (5 1/2 oz.) can tomato juice
Italian seasoning, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
salt and pepper, to taste

Cut bread down the center and lay open face up on a foil lined baking sheet. Set aside.

Cut up pepper and onion into small pieces. Sauté in saucepan on stove in olive oil until onion and pepper are soft.

Add 1/2 can tomato paste, entire can of tomatoes (with liquid). Stir together, add enough tomato juice to make a thick sauce. Add seasonings (Note: add whatever spices you like to your sauce). Heat in saucepan until hot.

Spread sauce over bread, top with cheese slices and bake at 350°F until cheese is melted.

Submitted by: Rebecca Young