Spaghetti Sauce (Aka: Red Gravy)

There are so many recipes for a delicious pot of spaghetti sauce, which, in my family, (and in many parts of the South Jersey region), is referred to as "gravy". Nothing is better than walking into the house on a lazy Sunday afternoon to the enticing aroma of a big pot of tomato heaven. Here is my recipe for a smooth sauce filled with a great assortment of meats and spices. With some preparation in the beginning and a few voluntary hands to stir the pot throughout the day, this comfort meal will not dissapoint. Salut! and enjoy...

• Ready In: 4 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 8-10
• Yields: 1 large pot

Ingredients

• 5 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (I use Furmano brand)
• 2  quarts water
• 1 -2  lb  fresh  sweet Italian sausage (hot sausage may be used too, depending on taste preference)
• 1 -2  lb  fresh  pork neck bones
• 1  tablespoon  fresh minced garlic
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
•  salt & pepper
• 2 -3  teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 -3  teaspoons parsley flakes
• 2 -3  teaspoons  crushed basil
• 2 -3  teaspoons dried oregano

Directions

1. In a large dutch oven or 8 quart pot. briefly cook garlic and olive oil.
2. Place fresh sausage and neck bones in pot.
3. Add desired amounts of salt and pepper to meats.
4. Add enough of the 2 qts. of water to cover meats in the pot, (not all of the water may be used). Cover and cook on low-medium for at least an hour. Do not allow water to boil; this will toughen meats.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot and stir. Begin with 4 cans and add the last can according to desired thickness, remembering that sauce will thicken as it cooks.
6. Add spices, again according to taste, and stir. More may be added as sauce cooks.
7. Stir frequently and keep on low to medium heat, making sure sauce never boils. Continue to cook for at least 4 hours; sauce may cook longer if desired.
8. Homemade or store-prepared meatballs may be added to pot.
9. Serve over pasta, raviolis, or as a base to lasagnas and zitis.