Instructions: Sauteegarlic in olive oil until golden. Stir in tomatoes, parsley, sugar, oregano, basil, bay leaf, pepper and 1 tsp. salt. Cover and simmer 45 minutes.

(If you use canned tomatoes, double simmering time.) Uncover. Cook 30 minutes longer; stir occasionally.

Meanwhile, gradually add vermicelli (or your favorite pasta) and remaining salt to rapidly boiling water. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Drain in colander. Combine pasta with marinara sauce and serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Note: For a delightful variation, quickly brown 1 1/2 lbs. veal scallops (cut thin and slightly pounded to flatten), lightly dusted with seasoned flour, in 2 tbsps. hot olive oil.

Brown quickly on other side. Add to heatproof casserole. Spoon marinara sauce over veal. Heat in 350F oven until bubbly.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.