Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Submitted by: Adrienne

A friend gave me about 5 huge garden tomatoes that didn't look super appetizing for a salad, so here's a good way to get rid of a bunch of 'em fast!

Tomatoes, however many you want, whatever size (non-Romas are great because the insides are more fleshy)
Potato masher (or fork)
1 clove garlic, grated or minced
salt and pepper
flour
grated parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning or basil and oregano
Cooked ground beef, optional

Wash and cut each tomato into medium size pieces. Put into a non-greased skillet on medium heat. Let them cook down until very soft. Take potato masher and mash them up well; the mixture should be pretty watery. To thicken, add flour 1 TB at a time while whisking until it creates the desired consistency. Add garlic, salt and pepper to taste (I used quite a bit, salt especially helps bring out the great tomato taste), grated parmesan and Italian seasoning to taste as well. Add cooked ground beef. Let simmer before serving. The longer it can simmer, the better. If you aren't super pleased with the taste (it's always hard to tell with tomatoes), add a little spaghetti sauce from the fridge. This sauce is very light and FRESH and the best way to get rid of several tomatoes that are getting too ripe.