Christmas Spaghetti Sauce (Original)

The Christmas Eve Classic

This is the original recipe we grew up with. Traditionally served for dinner on Christmas eve with garlic bread and a green salad.

---

Ingredients:

• Olive oil

• 3 large onions, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 3 celery stalks with leaves, diced

• 1 C. sliced mushrooms

• 3 cloves fresh garlic, crushed

• 3 lbs. ground beef

• 4 large cans tomato paste

• 4 cans of water

• 2 large cans whole tomatoes

• 1/4 oz. dried parsley

• 1 T. paprika

• 1/4 C. sugar

• Celery salt

Preparation:

• Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet.

• Brown onion, celery, peppers, mushrooms, crushed garlic, and ground beef, season with salt and pepper after each addition.

• Add to heavy bottomed stock pot along with all remaining ingredients.

• Sprinkle with celery salt and simmer all day.

• Makes 4 - 5 quarts.

---