Cook the Book: 'Giada's Kitchen'
On September 26, just four days shy of the publication of her fourth cookbook, Giada's Kitchen, Giada de Laurentiis launched a social-networking website. When I last checked on Sunday night, she already had 1,026 members. That means more than 100 new people are signing up every day. With numbers like that it's hard to argue with the jacket copy, which states that Giada "has become America's best-loved Italian cook."
While I'm not about to create a profile for myself (I'm not even on Facebook), I must admit that I, too, am a Giada fan. Years ago a friend prepared a fabulous feast centered around her recipe for Spaghetti with Clams, and I frequently serve her Tuscan Mushrooms (stuffed with roasted red peppers, green olives, and Pecorino cheese) at my own dinner parties. Critics argue that Giada is a nothing more than a sex symbol selling food porn, but I think she offers a bit more than that: to twenty-something aspiring gormands she provides chic, approachable recipes that don't involve expensive ingredients or special kitchen equipment. Armed with only the set of pots and pans I bought straight out of college, I could probably cook my way through her entire repertoire.
For these reasons (and because her new television show, Giada at Home, premieres on October 18th), I've chosen Giada's Kitchen as this week's Cook the Book selection. She may not be as classic as Lidia Bastianich, or as high-brow as Andrew Carmellini, but her food is flavorful and easy. And more often than not, that's the way most of us like to cook.
Win 'Giada's Kitchen'
We'll be excerpting a recipe from Giada's new book everyday this week. In addition, you can enter to win one of five (5) copies of Giada's Kitchen for your very own. Simply tell us in the comments section below: from alfredo and clam to marinara and vodka, what is your favorite kind of spaghetti sauce?
Five (5) people will be chosen at random from eligible comments below. Comments will close Monday, October 13 at noon ET. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.
Comments are closed: 512 Comments:
i like simple sauce, nothing too heavy (although a good alfredo can be awesome every once in a while). lately i've been making my own with roasted tomatoes and red peppers...pop them in the food processor with olive oil for a few minutes and voila!
sarahlucy at 2:51PM on 10/06/08
Made with San Marzano tomatoes, hand squished with tons of portabella mushrooms!
manali98 at 2:54PM on 10/06/08
carbonara - no question about it!
and it has to be authentic... no cream... just creamy from the eggs and parm!
TheDistrictDomestic at 2:54PM on 10/06/08
pomodoro or marinara
AnaisKoi at 2:56PM on 10/06/08
A simple homemade tomato sauce, but with plenty of light sausage meatballs.
LunaPierCook at 2:57PM on 10/06/08
I just like a simple tomato sauce.....especially if there's some eggplant thrown in.
masha339 at 3:00PM on 10/06/08
definitely would be sun dried tomato pesto!
carolinemarie at 3:07PM on 10/06/08
bolognese would have to be my favourite.
ssommerville at 3:08PM on 10/06/08
Basil pesto!
lisasav5 at 3:08PM on 10/06/08
meat sauce for me :)
caroliiine at 3:09PM on 10/06/08
My mom's secret family recipe...the flavor comes from the right amount of brown sugar and pork on the bone.
savecara at 3:09PM on 10/06/08
simple pomodoro -- just olive oil, onion, whole peeled canned tomatoes, basil, and tons of parmesano reggiano grated in at the end.
megannesta at 3:10PM on 10/06/08
Summer cherry and grape tomatoes, warmed in a pan with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes.
CoreyLF at 3:11PM on 10/06/08
Bolognese sauce, with the meat and the milk, cooked down until it's a Sunday gravy.
Bria at 3:12PM on 10/06/08
ditto on the basil pesto
_greenbean at 3:14PM on 10/06/08
probably arrabiata with olives and/or capers. i'm also a fan of pretty much anything with mushrooms or eggplant in it.
sloppy at 3:16PM on 10/06/08
A light tomato cream sauce
Tactful_Cactus at 3:16PM on 10/06/08
Mmmm, alfredo...
jessie at 3:17PM on 10/06/08
Tomato, basil, and garlic, with plenty of big chunks of stwed tomato . . ..
Cebca at 3:20PM on 10/06/08
Puttanesca...yum-o.
ynot4me at 3:21PM on 10/06/08
For spaghetti, Cacio e Pepe.
karen r at 3:21PM on 10/06/08
Alfredo, all the way.
mevers at 3:23PM on 10/06/08
A tomato/meat sauce made by my cousin's friend that was passed down to her for a wedding gift from her great aunt. She taught me how to make it once but because there is NO recipe I can barely remember what's in it or how it's made but it was SO good!
RPowell at 3:25PM on 10/06/08
Carbonara FTW!!
jkiller5150 at 3:25PM on 10/06/08
It's not very sophisticated, but I grew up on a homemade tomato-based ground beef sauce. Still love it. Often tomato sauce without meat is just disappointing as a main course. Alfredo is my runner up.
cdsamford at 3:26PM on 10/06/08
Marinara with plenty of garlic.
marieinla at 3:27PM on 10/06/08
Simple chunky marinara with spicy sausage, yum :)
chlamers at 3:27PM on 10/06/08
Incredibly garlic-y pesto. (Although I will say one of my spaghetti staples is a Giada recipe--whole wheat spaghetti, swiss chard, onions, pine nuts, kalamata olives....good stuff.)
Truculence at 3:27PM on 10/06/08
Gotta be alfredo sauce...yum!
pcrackenhead at 3:28PM on 10/06/08
pesto
Josh Baugher at 3:30PM on 10/06/08
A simple spicy tomato sauce is my favorite but I can be swayed in many different directions depending on what kind of mood I'm in.
lisambb at 3:31PM on 10/06/08
Very simple, olive oil and grated parm!
finsbigfan at 3:31PM on 10/06/08
Puttanesca with lots of red pepper, especially if I'm not feeling well.
negociants at 3:32PM on 10/06/08
I love pesto, but my current favorite is homemade extra-spicy meat sauce -- infuse the oil with crushed red pepper flakes before adding all the other ingredients. Sometimes I squirt in some Sriracha for good measure... Maybe not so Italian, but if I'm going to cook I'm going to make what I like!
annerska at 3:35PM on 10/06/08
ooo, vodka marinara
FamishedFem at 3:36PM on 10/06/08
Toss up between arrabiata and puttanesca...mmm.
mistabelle at 3:37PM on 10/06/08
Spagetti-o sauce.
sailordave at 3:37PM on 10/06/08
i love deep earthy sauces that are smooth as opposed to chunky. Something with Cabernet or Chianti and Basil with loads of garlic
hoff_83 at 3:38PM on 10/06/08
Puttanesca
Koren at 3:39PM on 10/06/08
Pink Cream sauce... a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes - or 3 cups peeled and seeded fresh ones - a few coves of minced garlic, a few shakes of red pepper flakes, a few teaspoons of olive oil... let simmer while pasta cooks... right before serving, add a table spoon of sugar (brown or white) and 1/2 to 1 cup of cream... this is my go-to sauce when i need some creamy carb comfort
idorunyc357 at 3:39PM on 10/06/08
straight-up simple marinara. yum!
squishy622 at 3:40PM on 10/06/08
Marinara
flourgirl72 at 3:40PM on 10/06/08
I love simple tomato sauces with herbs and parm. I like the sauce to be smooth though and it definitely can't have meat.
Erin at 3:42PM on 10/06/08
Since you specified spaghetti, spaghetti with smothered onion sauce, recipe from the beloved Essentials of Italian Cooking. Exceedingly simple, elegant, and unusual.
OliverRanch at 3:43PM on 10/06/08
I haven't quite mastered making it quite yet, but my favorite is carbonara. Runner up is a good marinara.
wrain at 3:43PM on 10/06/08
Definitely carbonara!
Risha at 3:44PM on 10/06/08
While there's nothing better than a good quality marinara (a bit sweet, a bit spicy), I love a creamy pesto or vodka sauce any day.
yogurtsoda at 3:45PM on 10/06/08
Bolognese... it doesn't get any better than that for me.
threedogkitchen at 3:45PM on 10/06/08
My favorite would have to be a basil pesto mixed with 1 or 2 crushed san marzanos heated up with red chili flakes and garlic. It tastes like a margherita pizza!
ac4gw at 3:47PM on 10/06/08
simple home made marinara, heavy on the red pepper flakes!
jlbrach at 3:51PM on 10/06/08
I like a nice, spicy diavlo. Or to make any plain onion/tomato sauce subtly spicy, add a dash of cayenne.
spartana07 at 3:51PM on 10/06/08
Creamy tomato sauce, chunky, with lots of garlic!
drew13000 at 3:52PM on 10/06/08
I actually like to mix a little marinara and alfredo - delicious!
deborahm4 at 3:54PM on 10/06/08
White clam sauce is excellent, even though it makes my stomach ache!
cochon at 3:55PM on 10/06/08
Puttanesca with grilled veggies
winkyj at 3:57PM on 10/06/08
It's a tie between bolognese and vodka sauces - both so good, it just depends on whether I want meat with my pasta or not!
piercecl715 at 3:58PM on 10/06/08
vodka sauce, yummy!
tempra23 at 4:00PM on 10/06/08
chunky garlicky tomatoey.
tons of chopped veggies: celery, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach. at LEAST 4 cloves of garlic. sometimes 5. generous sprinkle of oregano. simmered in a few cans of stewed tomatoes.
HappyJack at 4:00PM on 10/06/08
Love a good clam sauce...red or white, doesn't matter. LOVE clam sauce.
wookie at 4:02PM on 10/06/08
I love a nice carbonara or roasted tomato sauce. And extra parm, of course!
LiveToEat at 4:03PM on 10/06/08
Pesto!
As for Giada, she's more than just a sex symbol; she went to Le Cordon Bleu, cooked at Spago's, and ran her own catering/personal chef business. She can cook, and her recipes rock in all the right ways. I love her, too!
OneWallKitchen at 4:03PM on 10/06/08
I like alfredo!
samsnana at 4:04PM on 10/06/08
Bolognese- it's the ultimate comfort food. Sometimes I'll even nibble on the sauce without the pasta. Additionally, if you start with a good bolognese, you can add a quart of stock and you have a great tasting quick soup as well. Yum!
ErikaWaz at 4:04PM on 10/06/08
Pesto or Vodka sauce....Yum!
Spicy at 4:06PM on 10/06/08
I'm a big fan of simply olive oil, garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes.
charmon at 4:06PM on 10/06/08
I adore Vodka sauce-- hello, vodka, cream, tomatoes?! What's not to like?! I make a phenomenal garlic alfredo on a weekly basis.
shalomblack at 4:08PM on 10/06/08
I agree... bolognese is wonderful. As much as I love vodka sauce, carbonara, etc, with bolognese, you can just keep eating it and eating it...
mesohuangry at 4:08PM on 10/06/08
Take a good amount of minced garlic and anchovy. Cook them very low and slow, in a pool of olive oil, until they almost melt. Boil the pasta in well salted water. Add the pasta to the garlic and anchovy, along with a ladle of the cooking water. Turn the heat up and reduce the sauce. Optional additions include finely minced parsley, a few drops of lemon juice, or some red pepper flakes.
Nicholas H at 4:10PM on 10/06/08
amatriciana. extra spicy.
ilovedessert at 4:13PM on 10/06/08
I like a tomato sauce with veggies added -- lately it's been mushrooms and red bell peppers.
sarahinnewyork at 4:13PM on 10/06/08
a creamy pesto sauce or a simple marinara
sfgoo at 4:14PM on 10/06/08
Tomato basil made with plucked-from-the-garden ingredients and lots of garlic.
Babzee at 4:16PM on 10/06/08
bolognese sauce!
codasco at 4:20PM on 10/06/08
Garlic and olive oil hands down.
dishingupdelights at 4:23PM on 10/06/08
Bolognese please!
mustardbear at 4:25PM on 10/06/08
A la Norma!
PeanutButter at 4:30PM on 10/06/08
Mmmm, I love a good vodka sauce.
bettyjoan at 4:32PM on 10/06/08
In cold weather, a long-simmered meaty tomato sauce. I'd call it bolognese, but it's the recipe my mother made rather than an true Italian sauce. In warmer weather, it would have to be a quick cooked fresh tomato with fresh basil and mozzarella added just as it's coming off the heat.
dbcurrie at 4:32PM on 10/06/08
puttanesca
LIRC at 4:34PM on 10/06/08
I love vodka sauce but when I'm trying to be healthy, pomodoro is just as delicious
sharsd at 4:36PM on 10/06/08
Depends on the day, Arrabiata, or Alfredo, or sometimes a good hearty meat sauce.
bobcatsteph3 at 4:37PM on 10/06/08
after spending two years in torino, i prefer arrabiata, but a good ligurian pesto is a close second.
ace1025 at 4:43PM on 10/06/08
Carbonara is my ultimate comfort food. Mmmmm. Maybe I'll make some tonight!
kat1910 at 4:45PM on 10/06/08
I'm a 4 seasons pasta sauce kinda girl:
Summer - Cherry tomatoes, white wine, garlic, salt/pepper, and basil
Fall - Clam sauce (seafood is best in months ending with "r")
Winter - Alfredo or arrabiata - sticks to the bones or provides some heat
Spring - Basil or parsley pesto with spring veg!
beegoode at 4:47PM on 10/06/08
Take a nice smoky sausage and lightly coat it in a thick Balsamic, grill/saute it and combine with a chunky homemade tomato sauce. Nothing more, nothing less.
AaronNova at 4:50PM on 10/06/08
Clam but w/ Red Sauce...so good
alfinky at 4:50PM on 10/06/08
Homemade Bolognese- making some tonight as a matter of fact :o)
Cupcake819 at 4:52PM on 10/06/08
My grandmother's spaghetti sauce - a bolognese with ground beef and chicken.
Close second is fresh spaghetti with butter, garlic, and parmesan - yum!
jenilowrance at 4:53PM on 10/06/08
Arrabiata for me. I like the version in the Dean and DeLuca Cookbook.
Rebecca F. at 4:56PM on 10/06/08
vodka sauce...mmm
sharlynn at 5:01PM on 10/06/08
My favorite is bolognese with ground beef.
RobsGirl123 at 5:03PM on 10/06/08
Love Puttenesca on almost any pasta. Runners up: Tomatoe Basil,
Bolognese. Actually just give me a bowl of pasta and I'd probably eat it naked!
bessfour at 5:06PM on 10/06/08
creme fraiche, lemon, parmigiano reggiano and pasta water with lots of salt and pepper
carignane at 5:07PM on 10/06/08
i love vodka sauce
agordon10 at 5:07PM on 10/06/08
Clam with White Sauce
maportofu at 5:09PM on 10/06/08
My personal preference is Pesto Trapanese. Although, if Giada was cooking for me, I'd settle for just about anything as long as she let me watch!
jymbrittain at 5:09PM on 10/06/08
alfredo
dwarzel at 5:11PM on 10/06/08
I love a white wine clam sauce as well as one I learned from Giada! A bit of goat cheese, some pasta water, sun dried tomatoes and arugula.
acmartin at 5:13PM on 10/06/08
White Clam sauce, with plenty of clam juice and vermouth.
hungryinhouston at 5:17PM on 10/06/08
Basic marinara with extra fresh garlic and basil. Maybe even sometimes I'll add vegies to it.
TES283 at 5:19PM on 10/06/08
Alfredo, with a little bit of cayenne to add a little kicked, and usually with the sauce and pasta topped with shrimp scampi.
kuromu at 5:20PM on 10/06/08
arrabiata!
pookywookyster at 5:20PM on 10/06/08
Definitely basil pesto - from pasta to sandwiches to pizza to salad, it's so versatile and delicious!
poke87 at 5:23PM on 10/06/08
Vodka sauce, hands down, every time.
First Chair at 5:23PM on 10/06/08
Oh, I have to pick just one?!? I guess pesto would win. But it depends on the season, the weather, the company, my mood...
sueb84 at 5:27PM on 10/06/08
Carbonara is the best!
kobetobiko at 5:31PM on 10/06/08
so difficult....gonna go with white clam sauce though
z911empire at 5:36PM on 10/06/08
I love clam sauce with mizithra cheese! I'm also a big fan of vodka sauce!
amentschick at 5:44PM on 10/06/08
With tomatoes and sausage.
slb3334 at 5:44PM on 10/06/08
I love a mix of fresh marinara sauce with fresh pesto.
Laurel E at 5:49PM on 10/06/08
Wow, tough choice - linguine w/clams is a fave, but I also love a great marinara or vodka sauce and pesto is always a good choice!
winemagnum at 5:54PM on 10/06/08
bolognese with a light parmesan sprinkle
pritsana at 5:55PM on 10/06/08
It's my comfort food: frarmers market cherry tomatoes frizzled in olive oil, garlic, onion, red pepper flakes and a heaping handful of fresh basil.
stoli at 5:55PM on 10/06/08
I like Giada's marinara sauce that appeared in her first book.
mleitel at 5:57PM on 10/06/08
Bolognese, amatriciana or a vodka cream sauce. Oh, and pesto!
Jeana at 6:00PM on 10/06/08
Sunday gravy - Bolognese.
PerkyMac at 6:01PM on 10/06/08
Malfredo with sausage or extra hot puttanesca.
Josdean at 6:01PM on 10/06/08
Spicy marinara, especially if there's garlic in it.
rachelkramerbussel at 6:02PM on 10/06/08
tomato cream sauce
ricedream24 at 6:02PM on 10/06/08
Alfredo, made with real cream, of course. And lots of garlic!
misa619 at 6:03PM on 10/06/08
lemony white wine sauce with artichokes and parsley. One of the first dishes I learned to make myself!
denvergal at 6:04PM on 10/06/08
simple bolognese. the best comfort food EVER. oh, if you can add bacon bits to that, all the power to ya.
ayangeks at 6:06PM on 10/06/08
Meaty tomato, cheesy alfredo, veggies kissed by a light tomato sauce... I'll go with the meaty tomato!
TurkeyandPickles at 6:12PM on 10/06/08
I like a good thick Bolognese with a lot of meat.
cdziuba at 6:14PM on 10/06/08
Vodka sauce...with fennel flecked sausage and plenty of basil.
saelha at 6:16PM on 10/06/08
Marinara with lots of fresh basil.
enicoll at 6:17PM on 10/06/08
pesto
hedgehog at 6:23PM on 10/06/08
I've always had a thing for roasted red-pepper sauce. Kinda like vodka sauce, with a serious flavor boost.
caviarandcodfish at 6:29PM on 10/06/08
I've cooked several of her recipes - the food is excellent. I think I might try the squash and vanilla recipe - been looking for an excuse to buy vanilla in bulk and work on some savory adaptations.
renoles at 6:33PM on 10/06/08
ahhhh i love them all. but for everyday a raw tomato sauce with lots of basil a little garlic salt and pepper in the food processor. for special occaisions alfredo. or when im alone olive oil, anchovies, and parm. or sunday night bolognese. chicken parm with marinara. pesto with homemade pasta
jennywren at 6:42PM on 10/06/08
red, simple, and with a little kick to it
feep at 6:45PM on 10/06/08
pesto
toastworthy at 6:46PM on 10/06/08
Been one of those days - missed the sauce thing - toss up between Vodka sauce (especially done right) and red pepper sauce.
renoles at 6:53PM on 10/06/08
Bolognese is my favorite
Teeeveee at 6:54PM on 10/06/08
Marinara sauce, simple and delicious!
Cindy at 6:59PM on 10/06/08
I love alfredo sauce w/ portabello mushrooms. If it has to be a red sauce, I like a marinara w/ spinach and cheese. :)
mance01 at 7:05PM on 10/06/08
White Clam Sauce with lots of Garlic.
winebill at 7:06PM on 10/06/08
Fresh homemade marinara, especially this time of year when the garden is overflowing with many kinds of tomatoes. (That Spaghetti-o comment cracked me up)
HelloChris at 7:06PM on 10/06/08
The bolognese from Nigel Slater's Kitchen Diaries -- sublime!
MadameTart at 7:07PM on 10/06/08
A fresh marinara.
laurachoc at 7:16PM on 10/06/08
marinara is my all time fave.
rebbi511 at 7:18PM on 10/06/08
Ragù alla Bolognese
schnitzel at 7:20PM on 10/06/08
I love marinara the best.
rebbi511 at 7:21PM on 10/06/08
I like to make homemade meat sauce with a combination of ground chuck & italian sausage, Yum!!
randio at 7:22PM on 10/06/08
anything with mushrooms
bibliothecaire at 7:23PM on 10/06/08
Mizythra & browned butter (yes, I admit it's from Old Spagetti Factory)... I also like gorgonzola-walnut sauce sometimes...
In summer, just super-ripe tomatoes, garlic and basil from the garden... tossed with an excellent olive oil and some salt & pepper.... MMMmmmMMMmmMMM
hmneilson at 7:31PM on 10/06/08
Marinara and Bolognese :)
gkran at 7:31PM on 10/06/08
tomato with tons of chunky veggies, and no strained well! no watery run off please!
kagey10 at 7:31PM on 10/06/08
I love inhaling a big plate of deliciously al dente pasta (pumpkin tortellini with mascarpone sage cream sauce). Or else, perfectly spicy herby marinara with super fresh shellfish over nice firm linguini noodles.
charmedbeneath at 7:33PM on 10/06/08
either a carbonara or bolognese depending on my mood. my old age seems to be making me not so tolerant to overly rich foods.
princexy at 7:39PM on 10/06/08
carbonara
basil pesto is up there too
mariaeater at 7:41PM on 10/06/08
Vodka sauce!
blgrimes at 7:44PM on 10/06/08
Does tossing the pasta with artichokes and a drizzle of olive oil count as a sauce? If so, that's my pasta fave du jour.
I won a book about three months ago so don't count my post as an entry. I'm just here jabbering... :)
holdthemayo at 7:44PM on 10/06/08
clamato sauce
tracker at 7:44PM on 10/06/08
Hmmmm....favorite? Maybe a homemade marinara with plenty of fresh, homegrown basil? Oooh, or maybe olive oil, tons of garlic, and spicy red pepper flakes? Um, but then there's the all day simmerin' meat "gravy." Yea, I can't pick just one. :-)
stacylyn at 7:50PM on 10/06/08
so many: arrabiata, various pestos, olive oil and garlic, bolognese...
gorzd at 7:50PM on 10/06/08
My favorite would have to be Marinara. The unmistakable flavor of rich, cooked tomatoes paired with lots of fresh basil and garlic, a touch of red wine and a bit of parmesan -- it just doesn't get any better than this. Put that over any variety of pasta and include an oil and vinegar dressed salad and it spells "Italia" to me.
lurquizo at 7:51PM on 10/06/08
love Marinara yummy
mverno at 7:55PM on 10/06/08
Alfredo sauce!
Cheesewit at 8:01PM on 10/06/08
arrabiata and bolognese are a fav!
maomau at 8:04PM on 10/06/08
For 4-5 weeks every spring, my favorite Italian restaurant does linguini with morels, spring asparagus and caramelized onions in a port wine demiglaze cream sauce. Hands down, my favorite pasta in the world.
But Roman style carbonara (no cream), genovese, and a really fine white clam are close seconds . . . bring me a plate of each and I will decide!!!!
Mizbee at 8:11PM on 10/06/08
Marinara sauce, doctored up with some fresh basil and oregano from my garden.
Juliet at 8:13PM on 10/06/08
White clam sauce, with more parsley and garlic than the recipe calls for.
wmoss at 8:27PM on 10/06/08
cream, lemon, garlic
arugulafiles at 8:30PM on 10/06/08
Vongole, no doubt! I cook the clams in extra virgin olive oil and lots of garlic, then add white wine before tossing in the clams. I take out and reserve some of the clam juice before adding in the cooked pasta (usually linguine). Garnish with basil or Italian parsely.
soloworx at 8:46PM on 10/06/08
Straight up aromatic red sauce that has been simmereing for hours with freshly grated parmesano reggiano.
yankeesgal at 8:55PM on 10/06/08
My favorite is marinara sauce. Thank you.
kktwins at 9:04PM on 10/06/08
Marinara. Classic. Perfect.
rffoodie at 9:19PM on 10/06/08
White clam sauce.
daveg227 at 9:26PM on 10/06/08
alfredo
sandy89 at 9:30PM on 10/06/08
Pesto!
iaspire at 9:38PM on 10/06/08
basil pesto using basil from my garden
mrw1osi at 9:40PM on 10/06/08
Vodka sauce - ooooh how I love it!
Traumajunky at 9:44PM on 10/06/08
Pesto made with basil, parsley and garlic fresh from my garden-makes me hungry just thinking about it. LOL
CarolHarrity at 9:56PM on 10/06/08
Marinara with lots of mushrooms and garlic
jashelep23 at 10:00PM on 10/06/08
Mine isn't a classic sauce, but a recipe my mom kinda made up. Sliced zucchini sautéed until it disintegrated into a sauce, seasoned with fresh herbs and grated parmesan. Lovely end-of-summer pasta sauce.
piccola at 10:10PM on 10/06/08
Our go-to "sauce" is fruity extra virgin olive oil, good Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lots of black pepper. When you take the time to make fresh pasta, it's nice having a delicious ten-second sauce.
myfirstkitchen at 10:18PM on 10/06/08
if it's a sauce i make on my own, i just like a simple, thin sauce the way my mom makes it. but if it's a store-bought or restaurant sauce, i'll have to choose fra diavolo sauce. =)
uninorth at 10:23PM on 10/06/08
My favorite is grilled shrimp alfredo with lots of shredded fresh basil on top and asparagus on the side with a twist of lemon.
Lotuscheek at 10:29PM on 10/06/08
Nice, light, and garlicky white mushroom sauce is awesome. The mushrooms really complement the texture of the pasta; while, garlic is ever awesome.
wanderingfoodie at 10:42PM on 10/06/08
I love tomato and basil sauce and I love any type of sauce with mushrooms. Also love garlic and oil and love pesto of all types.
SEFB9118 at 10:54PM on 10/06/08
I like a nice chunky marinara but with extra garlic.
fangirl at 10:55PM on 10/06/08
My stomach says marinara, but my heart says alfredo!
ekmarsh at 11:00PM on 10/06/08
Lately it's been amatriciana! The spiciness with enhanced by the pancetta. Delish! I did recently see the ten minute marinara that alex made on the cooking loft and that looks like a must try, though. Hmmmm
bianca34dw at 11:02PM on 10/06/08
Marinara and anything with mushrooms. I also love my homemade spaghetti sauce!
justboycrazy at 11:20PM on 10/06/08
I like lots of different pasta sauces, but I've followed Giada in adding shredded prosciutto to many of them, especially cream-based or cheese-based sauces
BostonDiner at 11:20PM on 10/06/08
I have a carbonara recipe with no cream and farm fresh eggs. The absolute best pasta sauce I have ever have.
pksmash at 11:28PM on 10/06/08
Just a little oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
jayerk at 11:50PM on 10/06/08
I love alfredo or my homemade tomato sauce.
Catrona_sweeps at 11:51PM on 10/06/08
I LOOOOOOOVE romesco!
amwhiteh at 12:14AM on 10/07/08
I am sure there's a name for it but I don't know it - I like to buy red sauce with green olives in it, and I add sliced green olives myself if it doesn't have it or when I make red sauce from scratch.
gibbylet at 12:47AM on 10/07/08
i make a mean arrabiata sauce
chromiumman at 1:11AM on 10/07/08
The simple Sicilian sauce recipe that my great-grandmother brought to the U.S. with her at the turn of the century. Onions, garlic, oil, tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and some sort of meat to help flavor the sauce...mmmmmm....
amaLosAngeles at 1:40AM on 10/07/08
Vodka is always nice, but I've always been partial to Gin
bobfole at 2:03AM on 10/07/08
carbonara all the way! mmmm...
tlinjang at 4:29AM on 10/07/08
I like to make a simple sauce with some grated garlic, goat cheese, milk and pecorino cheese heated together, that I serve over filled pasta.
sshirazi at 5:14AM on 10/07/08
My favourite has to be a late summer/early fall sauce similar to ratatouille but with small chunks of spicy chorizo and smoked bacon added to make for a really rich and satisfying evening meal but not too heavy because of the veggies in it.
bklee at 6:45AM on 10/07/08
My personal favorite is my own simmered all day, hearty sauce made with Italian sausage. But with a teenager who is semi-vegetarian I usually end up making a quick arrabiata or puttanesca.
anyang at 6:49AM on 10/07/08
My favorite is what has been labeled my "everything but the kitchen sink" sauce, which is vodka-based with ground beef or veal, zucchini, yellow squash, fresh basil, orange bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and asparagus spears over linguine.
Cassaendra at 6:57AM on 10/07/08
Simple is always the best, tomato sauce with meatballs...... oh and a ton of parm cheese!
Kwdavis421 at 7:25AM on 10/07/08
i'm a sucker for carbonara as well as anchovies with toasted breadcrumbs
PoignantTuna at 7:45AM on 10/07/08
Boring, but I Iike a tomato sauce with sausage and mushrooms.
susanchester at 7:45AM on 10/07/08
fresh cherry tomatoes, ground meat (beef, veal, turkey, whatever) and mushroom, with plenty of garlic.
superdlux at 8:10AM on 10/07/08
Lots of garlic, and fresh heirloom tomatos, with different varieties of mushrooms!!! Yum!!
joelleee31 at 8:30AM on 10/07/08
My family loves alfredo!
myntric at 8:34AM on 10/07/08
My favorite is a sweet, spicy marinara. Thank you for the giveaway!
mistyriver at 8:42AM on 10/07/08
My favourite sauce is Rick Gallop's bolonaise sauce. Cooking it makes my apartment smell heavenly for a day or so.
In the fall I make it with fresh roma tomatoes (skin still on), and herbs straight from my balcony. It takes some time for the mixture to cook down to my preferred consistency (as thick as I can get it), so I always make sure to have a fresh baguette on hand to "test" the sauce from time time.
When the sauce coats the baguette like a spread or thick stew (instead of like a soup), its done. It freezes well. And is also an amazing sandwich spread. To serve it, I often add a bit of the pasta water to thin the sauce enough so that it will coat the noodles evenly.
Ketherian at 8:45AM on 10/07/08
My favorite is a sweet and spicy tomato sauce full of zucchini, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and Italian sausage.
cungem at 9:13AM on 10/07/08
Besides a big pot of slow-simmered sauce, I love throwing together a quick sauce with whatever veggies I have on hand and a can of crushed tomatoes.
segalbraith at 9:28AM on 10/07/08
Vodka sauce with copious amounts of reggiano!!
vraknari at 9:28AM on 10/07/08
I love any type of vodka sauce.
T2times99 at 9:33AM on 10/07/08
I like a pink sauce, a combination of alfredo and marinara.
LIDARKSIDE at 9:35AM on 10/07/08
It's got to be something a little spicy, a variation of arrabbiata topped with grana.
parfait01 at 9:38AM on 10/07/08
Marinera is my favorite pasta sauce, but I also like pesto, alfredo, and even just butter and parmesan.
amylou61 at 9:39AM on 10/07/08
mmm... crema rosa is the way to go! I like almost every sauce you could put on pasta - alfredo, tomato (fresh, jarred, ripe tomatoes and oil, whatevs), but the blend of creamy and acidic of a good crema rosa (made, essentially, by combining alfredo and tomato sauce, if I'm not mistaken) just floats my boat.
leeapeea at 9:41AM on 10/07/08
Just garlic, olive oil...yum
mozart23 at 9:44AM on 10/07/08
In summer, pomodoro w/ great home-grown tomatoes.
Winter choice is crema rosa or tomato/gorgonzola.
onrushpam at 9:45AM on 10/07/08
My family loves tomato meat sauce with lots of garlic and green pepper.
lindah at 9:46AM on 10/07/08
Wild boar sauce is beyond wonderful.
gregsmom at 9:53AM on 10/07/08
Sunday Gravy, theres just something about it and football.
nhfoodie at 10:00AM on 10/07/08
Roasted red pepper alfredo sauce is the current fave at my house!
digigirl at 10:02AM on 10/07/08
My favorite pasta sauce is good old tomato sauce (better known as "gravy") that has been cooking on the stove for hours, with meatballs and sausage. But if I'm in a hurry, it'd be Pasta alla Puttanesca.
AsTheNight at 10:07AM on 10/07/08
Simple marinara - just olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper, tomatoes and a generous handfull of italian parsley.
sjwoodin at 10:14AM on 10/07/08
It's so hard to choose just one! Hmmm... for today I will say Spaghetti alla Norma: A tomato-based sauce with eggplant! It's wonderful in the summertime..
artichokeheart at 10:17AM on 10/07/08
The Classic "gravy", cooked for hours with meatballs, sausage and pork. Nothing beats it, especially my late grandma's.
delilahhhhh at 10:22AM on 10/07/08
definitely white clam sauce made with lots of garlic and lemon and parsley
gervitsd at 10:31AM on 10/07/08
My favorite pasta topping is a fresh sauce made from garden tomatoes, EVOO, garlic, salt, and pepper. Simple as that.
MollieBeth at 10:36AM on 10/07/08
My favorite sauce ..............a deep , rich , thick & flavorful meat sauce ....made with either an angus ground beef or the rest of Sunday's roast .....maybe a little of both . Simmered in a thick, tasty tomato broth ....yummmmmmmmm .
foodie51 at 10:37AM on 10/07/08
sunday sauce with pork, veal neck bones, meatballs, hot and sweet sausage and meatball-stuffed, flank steak braciole
jennnifer at 10:54AM on 10/07/08
Near Atlantic City (on the mainland) there's a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that makes the most delicious marinara sauce I've ever had in my life. it's fresh and complex... they serve it automatically with their also amazing garlic bread. My mouth is watering thinking about it. Their fra diavolo was amazing too. When i wasn't in a spicy mood their vodka sauce over broccoli and ziti was pretty spectacular.
Stufsocker at 10:57AM on 10/07/08
a light vodka sauce
toughturtles at 11:13AM on 10/07/08
A fresh marinara sauce.
aungeinphx at 11:27AM on 10/07/08
plain old pesto!
cheekychalky at 11:28AM on 10/07/08
basil pesto, hands down.
gastronomeg at 11:34AM on 10/07/08
my mom's homemade meat sauce, beats everything else I've ever had!
MaryRas at 11:55AM on 10/07/08
oh man, I make pasta at least 3 times a week, hard to decide. If forced: spaghetti with real vongole, or my Tuscan friend Erminio's marinara. It's magic.
jenmeansgo at 11:57AM on 10/07/08
I'm with MaryRas - except my mom's, not her mom's. :)
LauraII at 11:57AM on 10/07/08
i love raw sauces--my favorite recently is one from the nytimes--garlic, a nice big tomato, chickpeas, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, basil, and let it sit for a while. one of the most delicious sauces I've ever had.
hamngatan at 12:02PM on 10/07/08
Bolognese sauce
mnsteph at 12:02PM on 10/07/08
Good olive oil, garlic, and a yummy cheese!
spros at 12:07PM on 10/07/08
Bolognese ragu. Love the thick bite of meat along with the soft pasta. Yum.
christine1225 at 12:10PM on 10/07/08
Carbonara - now I want some!
abs294 at 12:11PM on 10/07/08
puttanesca
leegwebb at 12:13PM on 10/07/08
I like my own bolognese, made with top secret ingredients. When I make it, my grown, but not yet un-nested children come home for dinner.
lambowner at 12:15PM on 10/07/08
Any kind of pasta with roasted tomatoes
dksbook at 12:26PM on 10/07/08
Vodka sauce made with prociutto and fire-roasted tomatoes!
akeeran21 at 12:26PM on 10/07/08
A simple marinara, preferably made with a little red wine.
rbear at 12:30PM on 10/07/08
Neapolitan ragu with a side of alfredo. And carbonara for dessert.
greyrussian at 12:46PM on 10/07/08
good-quality olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes
edinat at 12:50PM on 10/07/08
Probably a bolognese, but anything with a good olive oil and bits of tomato will do.
Or just the olive oil.
namepl at 12:58PM on 10/07/08
Almost anything, but when it really comes down to it I have to go with Calvin Trillin and carbonara. But it has to be done right!
mrbillcoach at 1:02PM on 10/07/08
I've always liked my mom's marinara sauce but every now and then I love me some alfredo.
iyamapotato at 1:05PM on 10/07/08
I like a chunky marinara, lots of peppers (hot and sweet) and garlic. Thank you!
Tina12312 at 1:06PM on 10/07/08
Carbonara's good (mmm, bacon), but I'd have to go with bolognese for the win. Lots of meat for me, please. Then again, a good pesto really hits the spot sometimes. Or alfredo, or...
sidebernie at 1:18PM on 10/07/08
....fresh basil, tomatoes, garlic and mozzarella.
pjlein at 1:20PM on 10/07/08
Puttanesca Or Carbonara can't choose between the two-Both Yum Mo!
dove1960 at 1:28PM on 10/07/08
My mom's home made tomato sauce with carrots and onions and spinach ground up, along with ground beef. It's perfect.
Peasantwench at 1:30PM on 10/07/08
lots of garlic, pesto, freshly grated parmesan, and a sprinkling of cracked black pepper. heck, may as well throw in some bacon
onepotbelly at 1:37PM on 10/07/08
Homemade - with lots of vegetables in it! (Minus the mushrooms)
Tarah716 at 1:55PM on 10/07/08
pesto
stevebillings at 1:59PM on 10/07/08
maranara
Jaleigh78 at 2:01PM on 10/07/08
Linguini alla vongole! In other words, white wine,garlic, clams, and butter!
skyrudich at 2:13PM on 10/07/08
Bolognese!
mcc32 at 2:18PM on 10/07/08
On a recent trip to Napa, I picked up a bottle of Round Pond's Meyer Lemon olive oil. Its fantastic on its own, but creates a superbly flavorful and aromatic pasta sauce when sauteed with garlic, red pepper flakes, and cherry tomatoes. Substituting traditional olive oil and lemon zest only begins to approach infused citrus flavor.
akharaz at 2:37PM on 10/07/08
Puttanesca!
nosillak at 2:38PM on 10/07/08
spicy tomato sauce
nichole at 2:41PM on 10/07/08
I love homemade garlic alfredo sauce. The only red sauces I like are Prego Traditional (I know, its not "real" italian, but I can't help it) and my mother-n-law's homemade red sauce.
bohemiangypsy at 2:46PM on 10/07/08
I love a pink sauce. I wish I didn't, but it's just too good. Or spicy tomato-based sauces.
marinelm at 2:47PM on 10/07/08
onions and criminis sautéed in olive oil. pepper flakes are optional!
brwndot at 2:48PM on 10/07/08
either carbonara or a meaty tomato ricotta sauce
BaguettenBrie at 2:48PM on 10/07/08
Just tomato...sometimes I'll jazz it up with some anchovies, garlic, onion, cheese or lots of veggies.
catalu at 2:52PM on 10/07/08
Just gimme pasta. With fra diavolo. With creamy vodka sauce. With spicy pink de rosa with prosciuttio. A fried egg and bacon. Butter and pecorino. Chopped kale, chick peas and cream. Hearty bolognese. Meatballs and spicy sausage cooked all day in gramma sauce. Pastapastapastapasta. CHEESE! I'll even eat it plain.
scarletini at 2:55PM on 10/07/08
alfredo with garlic!
iggysaysno at 2:56PM on 10/07/08
I have to say that seafood sauce is my favorite of all time. Great giveaway.
Pelo2000 at 2:57PM on 10/07/08
Amatriciana. Especially if DH makes it for me.
katarina_santiago at 3:00PM on 10/07/08
creamy pesto! with a little bit of parmesan grated on top...
vanillapudding99 at 3:01PM on 10/07/08
creamy vodka sauce is a big favorite
Willa at 3:09PM on 10/07/08
mmmm carbonara!!
justlikeaholiday at 3:09PM on 10/07/08
tomato sauce made from slow roasted tomatoes
saraann at 3:16PM on 10/07/08
WHITE CLAM SAUCE
bottomlesspit at 3:26PM on 10/07/08
Vodka Sauce...I just love Penne a la Vodka!
Pessa at 3:36PM on 10/07/08
my dad's marinara. nothing special about it. just nostalgia.
jbramley at 3:37PM on 10/07/08
Marinara---especially if made of fresh produce brought straight in from the garden!
raspberrypicker at 3:38PM on 10/07/08
I love a good bolognese sauce.
clbeth at 3:39PM on 10/07/08
I love a good Alfredo but it is so fattening that it is a rare treat. We ate marinara sauce all the time. I am a Giada fan, but my husband is in love with her LOL
kdkdkd at 3:56PM on 10/07/08
I like a nice pasta with a Florentine spinach and cheese marinara sauce.
emerald420 at 4:14PM on 10/07/08
I love a vodka sauce!!!
lotswife at 4:28PM on 10/07/08
I love a nice sage butter sauce over gnocchi or raviolis. Giada has a great recipe for this, check out her Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Maple Cinnamon Sage Brown Butter. It's to die for!
megholly at 4:43PM on 10/07/08
Giada's citrus bagna cauda with shrimp: the anchovies and garlic dissolve into the citrus and basil scented olive oil sauce....oh my!
ocarol at 4:49PM on 10/07/08
Pasta alla Amatriciana [tomato, bacon and onion]. Yum yum.
aburke at 5:00PM on 10/07/08
My favorite kind of sauce is red pepper cream sauce. It is sooooooooo good, I just love it!
littlesalsi at 5:03PM on 10/07/08
OMG! I am SO late and at the bottom of this thread! :-(
(pick me! pick me!)
I adore most pasta sauces, however, if I had to pick ONLY one, it would have to be................(thinking)..................(still thinking)..............(um).........
...........(struggling here)..................(okay)..................(damn! this is difficult).
......................Arabiatta.
izatryt at 5:08PM on 10/07/08
I make a really yummy butternut squash and sage sauce which is delicious over pasta!
laur_uic at 5:20PM on 10/07/08
A simple marinara made with San Marzano tomatoes and plenty of garlic.
mepm231 at 5:23PM on 10/07/08
A basic tomato sauce loaded with garlic and chunky veggies.
cher48603 at 5:24PM on 10/07/08
Marinara with lots of garlic and oregano.
idahomom at 5:24PM on 10/07/08
Marinara.....must have a touch of sugar......
starsmom at 5:36PM on 10/07/08
Marinara, hands down
Sunnyvale at 5:38PM on 10/07/08
Spicy arrabiatta or puttanesca...the only way(s) to go!
sweetveruca at 6:01PM on 10/07/08
Marinara. Absolutely.
storyscribe at 6:13PM on 10/07/08
4 way tie! - pesto, white clam sauce, arrabiatta or puttanesca
arielg at 6:41PM on 10/07/08
my best friend's marinara - from a Giada recipe, actually.
emisara at 7:24PM on 10/07/08
Well, I hate to say this, but my all time favorite is actually Prego!!
floridayaya at 7:29PM on 10/07/08
a homemade sauce from fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and whatever other fresh vegetables are available---the simpler the better flavor!
bajjmayer at 7:29PM on 10/07/08
My fav is bolognese.. hands down! Thanks for the chance to win!
cadewill at 7:41PM on 10/07/08
My favorite is vodka sauce.
DePro1 at 7:47PM on 10/07/08
(1) Vodka
(2) Alfredo
le_avion at 7:49PM on 10/07/08
marinara is the best then alfredo
buteeful at 7:51PM on 10/07/08
spicy sausage with sweet tomatoes and basil
jh70095 at 7:55PM on 10/07/08
I love a good red clam sauce made with lots of garlic.
drala625 at 8:00PM on 10/07/08
a good creamy tomato sauce is always good and also at times a pesto sauce.
miaj8 at 8:16PM on 10/07/08
I absolutely love a good Basil Almond Pesto with a load of garlic and a little lemon zest-- especially on Bowties
cookingismyfavorite at 8:55PM on 10/07/08
Marinara with lots of mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic!
danielle854 at 9:03PM on 10/07/08
Vodka sauce
ohnofullmoon at 9:06PM on 10/07/08
Marinara, with lots of chunky vegetables!
AnnaBananna at 9:26PM on 10/07/08
Ok -- I'm strange......but I love canned pasta sauce with some tomatoes and spices added. Yum!
zekebamm at 9:44PM on 10/07/08
Homemade pesto from the garden!
apisoni at 9:49PM on 10/07/08
I love basil pesto on angel hair pasta, I could eat it every day!
smann1111 at 10:06PM on 10/07/08
Garlic pesto is my fave
yadgirl at 10:32PM on 10/07/08
Olive oil, fresh tomatoes, basil and red pepper flakes.
madball911 at 10:34PM on 10/07/08
I like a good creamy sauce, but it's hard to beat tomato, so why fight? A creamy tomato sauce is definitely the way to go.
ak3700 at 10:43PM on 10/07/08
My mother's homemade tomato sauce -- extra clumps of tomatoes with fresh basil stirred in, and with the finishing touches of my father's "special seasonings" (aka salt & pepper)
andrearode at 10:58PM on 10/07/08
Definitely vodka.
deenarae0 at 11:08PM on 10/07/08
I enjoy the simplicity of onions, garlic and corriander in olive oil over pasta. topped off with parm and your good to go
Colengal at 11:14PM on 10/07/08
Red peppers and lentils in tomato sauce.
KarynMC at 12:18AM on 10/08/08
oven roasted tomatoes from the height of summer, garlic that was roasted with the tomatoes, red wine, oregano, simmer a little, blitz and toss with some great pasta, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. dinner is served.
passion4eating at 12:32AM on 10/08/08
The contrary part of me wants to say 'carbonara,' but that's not really a sauce, and it's not really my favorite. Honestly, it's a simple beef ragù with lots of garlic and some black olives.
Yrmencyn at 12:42AM on 10/08/08
My favorite is a simple homemade sauce with fresh heirloom tomatoes, basil and garlic.
Sekhmet at 1:40AM on 10/08/08
I like a spaghetti sauce the way my mom made it: tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, italian spices, hamburger and mushrooms.
Alyce at 2:43AM on 10/08/08
I love a really good homemade tomato sauce made from the juiciest tomatoes and freshest herbs, then topped with slices of boconccini.
shartan at 2:57AM on 10/08/08
Tough one between carbonara and marinara, but I'd have to go with marinara. Nothing like a big hunk of bread and marinara to dip :)
yummybreakfast at 3:05AM on 10/08/08
I adore Vodka sauce, I have worked my way through all the selections available at my grocery store, and have made a couple batches myself. Surprisingly the "Classico" brand has a great vodka sauce made with copious amounts of Pecorino Parmasean cheese. The Safeway brand ain't too shabby either.
JDMackley at 4:14AM on 10/08/08
A simple meat sauce. While it may be shameful, one of my favorites is a recipe I got from my partner's mother: a pound of ground beef, garlic, a can of tomato sauce, some tomato paste and a can of cream of mushroom soup - add bail or oregano to taste.
It's ridiculously good.
ConschBTJ at 4:20AM on 10/08/08
My Mom makes a great tomato based meat sauce that I've always liked. And, in recent years, I've discovered the joys of pesto. Can I have two favorites?
gt0163c at 7:57AM on 10/08/08
I love fra diavlo sauce, the spicier the better.
ecfreitas579 at 8:05AM on 10/08/08
I love a vodka sauce. There's something very comforting about it, and it's delicious, too!
spitfyr323 at 8:54AM on 10/08/08
My favorite sauce is my mom's bolognese...it has beef, pork and veal - garlic, onions...and lots of crushed tomatoes and a little bit of wine....its delicious...i have been known to eat it by itself with just a spoon and some crusty bread.
cicii3 at 9:09AM on 10/08/08
Marinara made from garden fresh tomatoes.
spanklin at 9:22AM on 10/08/08
for spaghetti, i like pasta norma.. san marzano tomatoes, garlic,eggplants pretty much disintegrated into tomato loveliness.
fetacrackwhore at 9:36AM on 10/08/08
puttanesca
maialisa at 10:31AM on 10/08/08
How could I pick just one?!!! Simple is the best so a mouthwatering combination of fresh tomatoes, home grown basil, pepper flakes and of course...you cannot forget the most important ingredient....GARLIC!!! (and LOTS of it!) Sigh...my mouth is watering just typing this! Thanks to Giada for not only making my weekends full of catching up on her shows but trying out all the amazing recipes that she has shared with us!
redavenger at 10:59AM on 10/08/08
I'm a big fan of creamy white sauces like alfredo.
wunami at 10:59AM on 10/08/08
I most often make marinara because you can do so many different things with it, but Sunday sauce is the one I love.
NO_Pam at 11:10AM on 10/08/08
I like meat sauce. One trick I found was two grind 2 slices of fresh bread and add 2 tablespons of milk, then stir in ground chuck. As a side comment yes she is good looking but her method of making fritats(sp) is the only way to make them. and her clam & spigetis excellent.
meadmeister at 11:24AM on 10/08/08
vodka for sure! Just enough tomato for sweet and tang, a little cream to make it luxurious and a bit of top shelf vodka to bring it over the top! served on penne to catch the most sauce in the tube---- mmm!
Sugary Chic at 11:26AM on 10/08/08
tomato cream sauce with spicy italian sausage, it is sweet and creamy and especially good with black pepper and parmesan on top!
allot at 11:36AM on 10/08/08
I love a good tomato meat sauce....
'course garlic alfredo is good too.
farmkat at 11:36AM on 10/08/08
My own homemade sauce made with imported San Marzano tomatoes, loaded with tons of sauted veggies and spiced up for just the right amount of kick
mkboldin at 11:38AM on 10/08/08
Fresh tomato when the summer tomato season is in full swing.
yaheardme at 12:35PM on 10/08/08
Besides vodka sauce and marinara, my favorite is pesto. But I did have a great arrabiata sauce when I was in Italy!
all american preppy at 12:41PM on 10/08/08
a thick meaty homemade bolognese sauce
cdcdcd at 12:52PM on 10/08/08
homemade tuscan boar meat ragu! plus some mushrooms never hurt
heart2eat at 1:16PM on 10/08/08
Carbonara. Not sure if I spelled that right but I love it!
rockymountainmarta at 1:50PM on 10/08/08
just your basic bolognese, please
feelgood at 1:55PM on 10/08/08
Bolognese!
lakeloverhh at 1:59PM on 10/08/08
Carbonara
lfosses at 2:02PM on 10/08/08
Homemade tomato from my Italian mother-in-law. She gave me her homemade lasagna recipe, but it takes 3 days to make, so I haven't even really read it. But I bet the tomato sauce recipe is in there too.
MeganCochran at 2:08PM on 10/08/08
My homemade vegie marinara sauce.
elysek at 2:14PM on 10/08/08
So hard to choose!! When I make a red sauce, I ususally keep it simple and add whatever veggies I have on hand. And I love all kinds of pesto -- basil, spinach and walnut, arugula and mint, sundried tomato...
suthungirl at 2:19PM on 10/08/08
Homemade pumpkin seed pesto...
shandon at 2:27PM on 10/08/08
Arrabiata or Puttanesca with lots of olives!
AFreeman at 2:35PM on 10/08/08
brown butter.....pasta with sausage and brown butter - so simple and so delicious!
julianne82 at 2:36PM on 10/08/08
Fumo
tech9803 at 2:50PM on 10/08/08
olive oil, a fresh basil, red pepper flakes
maybe some roma totatoes.... fresh is best!!!
healthygirl at 2:54PM on 10/08/08
I like a plain fresh Marinara sauce.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
janetfaye at 2:55PM on 10/08/08
Like all kinds of sauces. One requirement, tons of garlic.
boscoep at 3:00PM on 10/08/08
tomato sauce with lots of fresh veggies, garlic and capers.
bklyneli at 3:02PM on 10/08/08
super simple and fresh: tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper as needed and parmesan on top
musicalpandibear at 3:10PM on 10/08/08
Since it has still been so ridiculously hot here, we are eating bruschetta pasta. A little whole wheat pasta, fresh tomato, basil, garlic and olive oil. So simple and SO delicious. My husband calls it love on a plate!
Top Sheff at 3:14PM on 10/08/08
whatever my mom makes!!
AlbinoRockstar at 3:18PM on 10/08/08
I love a simple sauce with mushrooms, green peppers and fresh italian sausage. Add a little of whole wheat spaghetti and garlic bread and we have a great meal. Thanks so much for the great giveaway, I love watching Giada on Food Network.
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net
furygirl3132 at 3:33PM on 10/08/08
Puttanesca, for sure.
kroehl at 3:44PM on 10/08/08
Vodka sauce
jourgy at 3:53PM on 10/08/08
Classic tomato sauce with meatballs
nancy1 at 4:09PM on 10/08/08
homemade bolognese sauce
bigtim60 at 4:26PM on 10/08/08
Vodka sauce
smseymoure at 4:27PM on 10/08/08
I like marinara sauce with Italian sausage and fresh mushrooms the best.
pintolinda at hotmail dot com
pintolinda at 4:34PM on 10/08/08
My favorite sauce is a tomato cream. I love it on Fettucini with some garlic and shrimp! Thanks for the great giveaway.
fairydancer40[at]gmail[dot]com
fairydancer at 4:40PM on 10/08/08
I love "pink" sauces.
daveandcat at 4:50PM on 10/08/08
Puttanesca by far. Mmmmm. Olives and capers and anchovies yay!
lo82070 at 4:56PM on 10/08/08
Oil and garlic. It's not exactally a sauce, but it's simple and delicious!
wendy6 at 5:15PM on 10/08/08
Homemade bolognese
aharste at 5:25PM on 10/08/08
marinara with lots of fresh grated parmesano reggiano
ramy kin at 6:24PM on 10/08/08
Alfredo with crabmeat, Old Bay seasoning and garlic
marimann at 6:56PM on 10/08/08
Bolognese sauce is the best!
jpark107 at 7:46PM on 10/08/08
I like a spicy marinara best.
southerncooker at 8:10PM on 10/08/08
a simple marinara, on homemade noodles
tomie at 8:28PM on 10/08/08
Definitely marinara
dr_dave7 at 8:33PM on 10/08/08
Mmmm, I love pesto - either basil based or sun-dried tomato. Other choice would be a "margherita" style sauce with nothing but really sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and good mozzarella. Yum, now I want pasta...
kimberlymac at 8:45PM on 10/08/08
When I was on duty with the military in Italy on a tour we ate the whole fourteen days the same SAUCE made with ITALIAN sausage. All the memebers still speak of it now we are back home in the USA. It was so YUM...
HitTheDeckBoys at 8:46PM on 10/08/08
I love anything homemade. But, pesto and pasta sauce are the best. Once you've made these two wonderful food items you can never eat canned product again. Yummy and tasty too.
akiss at 8:50PM on 10/08/08
roasted tomatoes and basil
ReneeRobinson at 9:07PM on 10/08/08
I would say I love vodka sauce, but I also love lighter olive-oil based sauces.
allistew at 9:51PM on 10/08/08
pesto or lemon basil. OK, really anything with lots of basil.
delishes at 9:52PM on 10/08/08
Fresh on cook tomato sauce made using cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and salt and pepper. Delicious, fast and very healthy.
Boscompb at 10:45PM on 10/08/08
MY MOMS HOMEMADE TOMATOES,PEPPERS,ONIONS,GARLIC,GROUND BEEF SLOW SIMMERED. ALSO JUST REAL BUTTER &AND GARLIC.
peticook at 10:46PM on 10/08/08
love me some vodka sauce but also just olive oil with garlic
sln123 at 11:34PM on 10/08/08
carbonara
nicnac at 11:41PM on 10/08/08
I love love love Vodka sauce, but I also recently had a mushroom cabernet sauce that was pretty yummy
sachidewey at 11:45PM on 10/08/08
Think sauce with lots of veggies.
karree at 11:46PM on 10/08/08
hmm. vodka sauce can be pretty great, but also can't deny the delicious versatility of pesto! tough call....
merlee18 at 12:14AM on 10/09/08
penne a la vodka is my absolute favorite!
tiglesia at 1:13AM on 10/09/08
i love my husband's tomato bechamel!
ebarrett at 1:45AM on 10/09/08
I love Marinara sauce, but I also love to have onions, carrots, and mushrooms in my spaghetti too! =)
missmy808 at 6:07AM on 10/09/08
I love Alfredo, but don't eat it often. I try to stick to a simple mushroom Marinara for a healthier choice.
clc408 at 7:07AM on 10/09/08
Puttanesca- with lots of spicy goodness!
firelight1016 at 8:50AM on 10/09/08
I love clam sauce.
wolff33166 at 9:20AM on 10/09/08
bolognese for me, vodka for the husband but since i cook we eat a LOT more bolognese :)
chon76 at 10:54AM on 10/09/08
Carbonara, no cream please!
blangblang at 1:18PM on 10/09/08
basil pesto with pecorino romano please!
angelak at 1:28PM on 10/09/08
Plain ol' Marinara
hausfrau at 1:32PM on 10/09/08
carbonara with lots of bacon
jzhang07 at 1:35PM on 10/09/08
Bucatini all'Amatriciana, with extra heat!
oishi at 1:55PM on 10/09/08
I love Vodka marinara.
honeypie411 at 2:19PM on 10/09/08
tomato sauce with fresh basil
magicsquid at 3:33PM on 10/09/08
I prefer the simple, traditional tomato sauce, yummy!
margo987 at 3:36PM on 10/09/08
I love spaghetti with homemade pan-fried meatballs that are then simmered in tomato sauce and topped with a little shaved parmegiano reggiano.
hsunuks at 3:44PM on 10/09/08
Alfredo sauce with fresh mushrooms in it wins hands down and works almost anytime for most any group of people. YMMMMM!!!
ibbie at 4:36PM on 10/09/08
marinara w/lots of vegetables
zekks at 5:51PM on 10/09/08
Hands down a really thick bolognese.
JSchwo7 at 5:57PM on 10/09/08
I like a creamy, cheesy sauce (lighter than Alfredo, though) with chicken and vegetables of the season in it.
teslaca at 6:36PM on 10/09/08
olive oil, parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper
texasdeb at 7:23PM on 10/09/08
marinara fra diavolo
LoCo at 8:11PM on 10/09/08
alfredo sauce is the best
frozenman20 at 10:15PM on 10/09/08
marinara sauce is my favorite!
heatheranne99 at 11:00PM on 10/09/08
alfredo
duh
crumbles at 11:13PM on 10/09/08
from the college days--chopped fresh portobello mushrooms, some chopped garlic and olive oil, maybe red pepper flakes and always salt and pepper
madalyne86 at 11:35PM on 10/09/08
my favorite is a simple marinara sauce kicked up with red pepper flakes!
goadri at 12:21AM on 10/10/08
I guess I bloomed late. For most of my life, spaghetti to me was simply Bolognese but I finally started experimenting with other renditions. I gotta vote for the simplicity of the creation and ingredients and the complexity of flavor and character when a Carbonara is properly executed. Love it!
czken at 4:21AM on 10/10/08
Paul Newman figured it out.
Michael Z at 8:19AM on 10/10/08
pesto
nosher at 9:40AM on 10/10/08
I have so many favorites... but I have to admit that any shellfish in a cream sauce pulls me in.
islandchild at 2:16PM on 10/10/08
I love a simple topping of olive oil and garlic. Then again, I love a primavera/carbonara combo.
iahawk89 at 4:17PM on 10/10/08
Vodka Sauce for me
cuddles115 at 4:33PM on 10/10/08
Gosh, I could eat a different pasta and gravy every day of the week! My favorite depends on my mood: recently I had a thick, meaty Bolognese that I'll be salivating at the thought of for quite some time.
pancak at 5:00PM on 10/10/08
I like alfredo sauce
bison61 at 5:04PM on 10/10/08
Bolognese over linguine!
goodlearner at 5:06PM on 10/10/08
pesto or butter & garlic
myindigodreams at 5:28PM on 10/10/08
My choice is bolognese.
foggymary at 5:34PM on 10/10/08
My choice.....
Anything that's not out of a can or a jar.....
mooselovingmamabear at 5:47PM on 10/10/08
I love to make my own sauce from home grown tomatoes. It takes awhile, but it's worth it.
Gracie at 9:14PM on 10/10/08
tomato cream sauce
mishmish at 10:03PM on 10/10/08
carbonara
slcrose at 10:03PM on 10/10/08
my vote goes to bolognese!
skim at 10:05PM on 10/10/08
My favorite is creamy tomato sauce!
dewer421 at 12:01AM on 10/11/08
Vodka, but I once had a creamy bolognese that was wonderful.
jnmacdonald at 3:33AM on 10/11/08
A tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes, onions, red peppers & mushrooms sauteed in wine.
nmclain at 10:11AM on 10/11/08
I LOVe Bolognese
Ardy22 at 10:39AM on 10/11/08
I'm going to argue this one because it depends upon the entire course. I don't like the heavier sauces like alfredos and the low fat ones are just nasty. I'll go with a heavily garlic pesto sauce fresh from the food processor served directly at that moment when it pulses from solid to liquid.
ky2here at 11:01AM on 10/11/08
I love it all but there are times I enjoy pasta with melted butter and parmesan cheese
joni514 at 2:36PM on 10/11/08
We usually have a meat sauce.
egreca at 3:27PM on 10/11/08
I think my favorite is olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped tomatoes and Parmesan cheese
carolasar at 3:50PM on 10/11/08
marinara, with mushrooms!
mishmasho at 4:18PM on 10/11/08
I eat pasta very seldom. Wish they'd find a good low carb one! But when I have it I dress it simply. A little butter, a little olive oil and lots of bright vegetables and herbs. Yum!
rkoenig at 6:32PM on 10/11/08
I just like a basic tomato sauce with meat. I love making spaghetti sauce!
kewpiedoll04 at 8:24PM on 10/11/08
I like spicy sausage and fennel in a tomato sauce.
eluckstead at 8:51PM on 10/11/08
Vodka!!!
fshapiro at 9:04PM on 10/11/08
I like my own red sauce, or gravy, depending on where in Italy you are from. ;)
dddiva at 9:45PM on 10/11/08
Marinara, my favorite!
trixxtrac at 11:57PM on 10/11/08
A simple marinara is just fine!
LINDALSHOT at 9:29AM on 10/12/08
My two favorites are palomino (tomato cream sauce) and meat sauce.
stigay at 10:35AM on 10/12/08
I love homemade white clam sauce with romano cheese melted into it while it finishes cooking.
nsord44 at 11:17AM on 10/12/08
I love a meat sause. lots of meat!
ccat45 at 11:39AM on 10/12/08
I have a recipe for a chunky garden tomato sauce with fresh basil that I just LOVE. It runs a close 2nd to my Mom's homemade spaghetti sauce that I have NEVER been able to duplicate correctly!!
Cataroo at 11:50AM on 10/12/08
white clam
marjeannie at 12:03PM on 10/12/08
My favorite is puttanesca: a fragrant simple tomatoes, anchovies, and spices! A classic.
KimbertEyestain at 1:16PM on 10/12/08
I love sauce just the way my mom made it. Started with pork neck bones, tomatoes, garlic and spices. Makes the kitchen smell so great
PhoneRN at 1:32PM on 10/12/08
Giada's own Homemade Sauce, with onion, garlic, celery, carrot, tomato. Simple, but simply delicious.
When it's cold outside, we add a bit of Italian sausage for heartier fare.
LBirk at 1:36PM on 10/12/08
Marinara with ground beef, little sugar, and parm cheese mixed in.
mariana at 2:12PM on 10/12/08
an arrabiata... (close second place tie goes to the puttanesca and vodka blush)
aaronny at 2:15PM on 10/12/08
Classic Tomato sauce with meatballs with angel hair pasta
silverbele at 2:49PM on 10/12/08
puttanesca for me
AICORP at 3:20PM on 10/12/08
My buddy Ric's!
saturdaynightfever at 3:36PM on 10/12/08
Marinara sauce
yellowlabs at 4:09PM on 10/12/08
I love a spicy marinara sauce more than any other kind!
blueviolet at 4:29PM on 10/12/08
I love it all from pesto to marinara but if I could only choose one - forever - just a simple olive oil and garlic.
amywill5918 at 6:03PM on 10/12/08
My choice is bolognese.
super3natural at 6:12PM on 10/12/08
I love anything with garlic and clams...yum!!
zoehunter at 7:12PM on 10/12/08
white clam but only at my favorite restaurant. I also love pesto. I make a great pesto.
teechbiz at 8:49PM on 10/12/08
My favorite is at a local restuarant we eat at often. They call it "pink sauce." It is a mixture of their homemade marinara and alfredo sauces-I can't get enough!
princessfdp at 9:00PM on 10/12/08
old time sauce that my Croation neighbors made. cook all afternoon meat, tomatoe sauce, green peppers, onions, garlic. cinnamon. thick and globby
djolsen at 9:09PM on 10/12/08
I love homemade alfredo sauce, made with heavy cream, shredded parmesan, garlic, and topped with fresh parsley.
Nesie at 9:31PM on 10/12/08
basil pesto
sixofus at 11:14PM on 10/12/08
basil pesto, oh, yes, with lots of garlic and creamy...ahh!
missm at 11:39PM on 10/12/08
marinara loaded with mushrooms, onions, browned beef, sausage and eggplant
misaacmom at 11:46PM on 10/12/08
Marinara is my favorite!
atreau at 12:15AM on 10/13/08
i loooove Puttanesca! it's so good!
samanthapayntr at 12:25AM on 10/13/08
tomato
JOYVEN at 12:27AM on 10/13/08
My favorite is a great Alfredo sauce. I also make an excellent meat sauce for spaghetti! Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!
bndraldy at 12:31AM on 10/13/08
I like a well seasoned meat sauce.
Bakersdozen at 12:43AM on 10/13/08
garlic and oil
nesta67 at 12:50AM on 10/13/08
Bolognese is my favorite
San Marzano tomatoes,portabellas and basil
A simple creamy vodka and tomato sauce
Erinay77 at 1:09AM on 10/13/08
Marinara with some ground beef and sausage added. mmmm
jayfr at 1:33AM on 10/13/08
spaghetti and meat sauce
azdave58 at 4:01AM on 10/13/08
A spicy marinara....
cylis9 at 7:52AM on 10/13/08
I love a very simple tomato and fresh basil and then add some freshly grated parmegiano reggiano, delicious!
edeliz at 7:56AM on 10/13/08
I love all pasta sauces-especially alfredo! Thank you!
dglitter at 8:11AM on 10/13/08
Marinara
djohnson21 at 8:24AM on 10/13/08
Bolognese is my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com
garrettsambo at 8:40AM on 10/13/08
i like my homemade meat sauce
bellows22 at 9:01AM on 10/13/08
i like ragu myself :)
klp1965 at 9:03AM on 10/13/08
I love alfredo and clam sauce!
lilyk at 9:21AM on 10/13/08
ragu alfredo
jmahurin40 at 9:24AM on 10/13/08
pesto or garlic and olive oil.
weebb33 at 9:54AM on 10/13/08
Garlic and meat marinara.
cowleyh at 9:55AM on 10/13/08
I like a garlicy marinara sause.
arvard at 10:07AM on 10/13/08
I love alfredo sauce. On anything - chicken, fish, etc.
dbkagrayson2002 at 10:17AM on 10/13/08
I love a good slow cooked homemade meat sauce. One with lots of spices, garlic and red wine then cooked on the stove for hours to let the flavors meld together.
kvenglar at 10:19AM on 10/13/08
I like a vodka pepper sauce. Yum.
tanners12 at 11:10AM on 10/13/08
My favorite sauce is Alfredo. Thanks for this opportunity.
elsmarlouamrman at 11:37AM on 10/13/08
My favorite "sauce" for spaghetti (or any type of pasta for that matter) is olive oil, garlic, pepper, and Italian chopped parsley!
maningrida at 11:38AM on 10/13/08
Thank you for participating, and congratulations to our winners:
eluckstead
oishi
daveandcat
winebill
cdsamford
Winners have been notified by email and also appear on our Contest Winners page.
Lucy Baker at 12:02PM on 10/13/08