Jan 2nd - Keep it simple....Spaghetti, Salad, and Derr's Special Bread

Spaghetti Sauce (jar or make yourself)
Mixed Greens Salad  with homemade croutons  (I used the leftover bread from our fondue night which was already cut into cubes) 
Derr's Special Bread

Spaghetti Sauce - when I make it, I like to load it up with vegetables.  I usually grind these up in the food processor.  3 or 4 mushrooms, a carrot, some eggplant, 1/2-1 onion, 3-4 cloves of garlic, a bell pepper or red pepper--whatever I've got on hand.  Cook these down for 3-4 minutes on med heat with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.  Then add oregano, basil leaves, 1-2 bayleaves, black pepper, 2-3 32 oz cans of tomatoes and/or tomato sauce.  I also add a splash of wine.  Cook for 45 minutes or longer until flavors are right.  If you (or your kids) don't like chunks of veggies, then process in the blender for a smoother sauce.

Derr Special Bread:
Use older french bread cut 1/4-1/2'' thick.
Combine butter or margarine with chopped garlic - melt in microwave
Spoon over bread
Sprinkle with toppings: paprika, parsley flakes, parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast flakes
Bake at 400 for 10 minutes or broil for 3-4 minutes for a chewier bread.

Homemade croutons - combine bread cubes with olive oil, chopped garlic or garlic granules, and spices.  Place on cookie sheet and bake at 300 until crunchy.