Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

What ever happened to cooking things from scratch? I can't even remember the last time I baked a cake and didn't use a cake mix. The invention of the microwave has simplified cooking to the point of just popping something in and pushing a few buttons. I remember the first time I lived alone was in college when I had an apartment for one semester. That was before microwaves were available. I did my grocery shopping on Sunday afternoons and hauled everything up to my second floor apartment; no elevator. I thought I had to cook my evening meals, just like my mom did everyday when I lived at home with her and dad.

I had my own kitchen and my own refrigerator. But, what was really cool was that I could fix whatever I wanted. I had deep-fried shrimp at least once a week and remembered that the oil got so hot on the stove that I was afraid the smoke alarm would go off. Boy, was I a terrible cook back then. After moving back home and paying a little more attention to my mom in the kitchen, I learned to prepare one of her best recipes. It's actually very simple and always comes out tasting great. Below, you will find the recipe that my mom has handed down to me for her Spaghetti Meat Sauce. It may be easier to open a can and warm it in the microwave, but I guarantee that this recipe is much better than spaghetti in a can.

I hope you enjoy the sauce as much as I do.

Carol

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

1 pkg. spaghetti, cooked
1/2 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained
1 c. tomato juice
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 can tomato sauce
1/8 t. pepper
1/2 t. chili powder
1/2 t. sugar
1/2 t. salt
oregano, to taste

Simmer all ingredients for about 45 minutes. Add oregano toward the end of the cooking. Serve on warm spaghetti. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.