Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce

8 large garden tomatoes
1/2 chopped onion
3 Tablespoons of olive oil
1 bay leaf
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh basil
1 teaspoon fresh oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional)

Drop the tomatoes in boiling water for 45 seconds then immerse in a ice water bath.  Peel, chop and set aside.

Chop onion and soften in olive oil for 5 minutes.  Add chopped tomatoes, garlic and bay leaf to onions.  Bring to a boil, hard simmer for 30 minutes. 

Add basil, oregano, salt, and sugar to taste.  Hard simmer another 30 minutes.  Add balsamic vinegar if desired.

Serve over fresh pasta

-Lorri Cunsolo Nichols