For most moms, spaghetti is a go-to recipe, the kids love it and its fairly easy to make. This tomato sauce recipe is great for many reasons; ultimately, it can be used in spaghetti and many other dishes, it is budget-friendly, it is nutrient based and most importantly, it is magnificently delicious! Therefore, how much more satisfying does it get to the palate with this alternate recipe that saves the calories and the fat? When you try this, it will be your new guilty pleasure, but without the guilt!
Autumn Calabrese, a celebrity trainer and mastermind behind various fitness and nutrition programs has invented heaven on earth in a pot. Autumn’s tomato recipe substitutes white sugar with coconut sugar which makes a difference, nutrient-wise. According to the Phillipine Department of Agriculture, coconut sugar contains several nutrients. In addition, this recipe is versatile and can be used in many other dishes, such as chicken parmesan and the simple old, grilled cheese sandwich.
Autumn Calabrese’s Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped (personally, I add about double the amount recommended) 
1 (6 ounces) can all-natural tomato paste, no salt added
1/4 cup red wine
2 (28-ounces, each) cans of all-natural whole peeled tomatoes (pureed in blender/food processor)
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parmesan (grated) (as desired, ¼ cup recommended)
3 tablespoons fresh basil
Directions:
- Heat oil in large saucepan, over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, cook and stir frequently until translucent.
- Add garlic. Then mix tomato paste, stirring constantly.
- Add wine, stir for 3 minutes.
- Drain tomatoes and puree in blender/food processor. Add to saucepan, with sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir for 3-5 minutes.
- Add parmesan, stir occasionally while on simmer for an hour (or longer, if desired)
- Kill the heat and add basil.
Wait, there are two more recipes to go along with this deliciousness!
Healthier Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
1 cup regular (or whole grain) bread crumbs
4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 dash sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 large eggs
4 4-ounce raw chicken breasts boneless, skinless
1 cup of Autumn’s Tomato Sauce
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Transfer to plate and spread. Set aside.
- Crack eggs into a shallow dish and dip chicken breasts into the dish. Then coat the breasts with the bread crumbs mix (evenly on both sides). Place on parchment paper and baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes on one side. Then turn the chicken and bake for another 22-26 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.
- Preheat broiler on high.
- Cover each chicken breast evenly with Autumn’s Tomato Sauce, mozzarella cheese, and remaining 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Return to oven until cheese is melted.
Lastly, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches go perfect with this sauce!
Ingredients:
Whole wheat bread
Swiss cheese
Mild cheddar cheese
Ghee, or a healthier alternative to butter (if preferred)
Directions:
- Heat skillet to low heat.
- Spread the ghee (or butter) to outside of bread slices.
- Place cheese on the inside of bread and place on skillet.
- Flip frequently, until cheese is oozing and a heavenly aroma is in the air.
- Lastly, enjoy these recipes because food should not be the enemy.
These recipes are fantastic; not only do you get to enjoy an Italian feast but your children get to join in on the fun with the grilled cheese sandwiches. However, the inner child deep within us will gear toward all three recipes. It does not get any better than these simple, delicious, reasonably priced, nutritious and versatile dishes! Go ahead and enjoy!
