Remember that old saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?” There’s no better way to prove that theory than by surprising your mate with a fabulous Sunday Sauce – try it this Valentine’s day, which just happens to be, well, a Sunday! You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time, as this is somewhat of a lengthy love affair. Start the sauce at least 6 hours before show time. These recipes were inspired by Wegmans and Better Homes and Gardens, respectively. I like to think of recipes as a guide – change them up to make it your own.

SAUCE
~4lbs. bone-in country ribs
~3lbs. hot Italian pork (or turkey) sausage links, cut in half
2 large onions, chopped
20 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste 2 cups quality red wine (or water) 3 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
4 tbsp dried basil leaves

Heat a small amount of oil in a large sauce pot to medium-high. Brown the ribs and sausage on all sides, set aside. Leave browned bits in the pot. Reduce heat to low. Add onions to pot; cook, stirring, 8 min, until soft but not browned. Add minced garlic, cook, stirring for 2 min.

Raise heat to medium. Add tomato paste; cook, stirring, 3-4 min, until paste begins to brown. Add wine; bring to a simmer, stirring to loosen browned bits on the bottom of the pot.  Add tomatoes and basil; stir to combine. Return ribs and sausage to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 5 hours. Add meatballs;* Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.

Transfer meats to a serving platter, let rest at least 15 min. Serve with your favorite pasta or zoodles and grated cheese.

MEATBALLS
2lbs.

ground beef (85%)
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2c milk 1 t Worcestershire sauce
1 t salt
Pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
1 medium onion, fine chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Preheat the oven to 400(F) degrees.

Mix all ingredients well and form into equal-size meatballs (~2”).

Place onto a foil-lined baking tray and roast for 10 min. *Add to sauce during the last hour of cooking.