(NAPSA)—When entertaining dinner guests, renowned Chef Michael Chiarello encourages hosts to set themselves apart from the barbecuecircuit by serving up a great outdoor Italian meal. “Tm here to tell you that, contrary to what some people believe, Italian food makes for great summerfare and there are lots of easy ways to delight your dinner guests,” Chiarello says. Ce: oe ; . Thick Tomato Sauce (Makes about 4 cups) About 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 3 tablespoons garlic oil 2 cups diced red bell pepper (4-inch dice) 2 tablespoons mincedgarlic 2 cups diced red onion ('4inch dice) Graysalt and freshly ground pepper 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, chopped 1% cups double-strength chicken stock 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano Chiarello—author of the popular Tra Vigne Cookbook—is host of his own PBS show, Michael Chiarello’s Napa, and creator of NapaStyle specialty products. According to Chiarello, the best time to cook with tomatoes is summer. “Out here in Napa Valley, I like to make huge batches of red sauce at a time when tomatoes are in season,” Chiarello says. “That’s why I recommend making extra and freezing the leftover sauce in smaller portions in Tupperware so you can enjoy vine- ripe flavor throughoutthe year.” Chiarello often hears people avoid cooking red sauces because they can be messyto store, particularly because red sauces tend to stain plasticware. According to Chiarello, however, being messy is part of the fun. “And I just found a great new product, Cascade Plastic Booster, that you use in your dishwasher along with dishwashing detergent to removethose pestering red stains and odors from your plasticware,” Chiarello says. “T's made even my oldest Tupperware look like new again.” Chiarello’s red sauce recipe and other favorites are currently featured on www.homemadesimple. com. 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil Heat % cup of olive oil (or 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons garlic oil) ina storeheavy saucepan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the bell pepper andsaut until brown, about 7 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, if necessary, and the garlic, and cook until light brown. Add the onion and a pinch of salt (if the pan is dry and the ingredients look as if they might burn, adding salt will release the liquid in the onions), and cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir to mix well. Add the tomatoes and their juice, the stock, and bayleaf. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the sauce until thick, about 25 minutes. Be sure to stir often to prevent scorching. Add the butter, oregano, parsley, and basil and stir well. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Use immediately, or let cool, cover, and refrigerate for several days, or freeze for later use.
