Almost everyone is pleased that pasta has become a mainstay in the American diet; but unfortunately it's also become far too easy to rely on store-bought sauces exclusively. This classic Italian sauce is rich and spicy--brimming with a freshness that can never be found in a jar--and is simple enough for a novice cook to prepare in less than 45 minutes. This is traditionally served with bucatini (hollow spaghetti-like strands of pasta) though any shape pasta will do. You'll need a big salad, of course--a Caesar is perfect--and plenty of crusty Italian bread. Red wine is a must; and you may want to pass around a chunk of Parmesan for grating at the table. Dessert should be no-fuss but delish: store-bought biscotti, washed down with the last of the wine.

Almost everyone is pleased that pasta has become a mainstay in the American diet; but unfortunately it's also become far too easy to rely on store-bought sauces exclusively. This classic Italian sauce is rich and spicy--brimming with a freshness that can never be found in a jar--and is simple enough for a novice cook to prepare in less than 45 minutes. This is traditionally served with bucatini (hollow spaghetti-like strands of pasta) though any shape pasta will do. You'll need a big salad, of course--a Caesar is perfect--and plenty of crusty Italian bread. Red wine is a must; and you may want to pass around a chunk of Parmesan for grating at the table. Dessert should be no-fuss but delish: store-bought biscotti, washed down with the last of the wine.