Bolognese

Ingredients

• 1  bay leaf 
• 1 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
• 1.5 cups tomatoes canned crushed
• 0.5 cup carrots finely chopped
• 0.7 cup celery chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves dried
• 1 cup cooking wine dry red
• 0.3 cup parsley fresh chopped
• 6  garlic cloves minced
• 0.3 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 0.5 pound ground pork lean
• 0.5 pound ground veal 
• 0.5 pound ground beef lean
• 1 cup lower-sodium beef broth 
• 1.8 cups onion chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon oregano dried
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 2 teaspoons sugar 
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 

Equipment

• frying pan
• slow cooker

Directions

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic to pan; saut 4 minutes.
3. Add beef, pork, and veal to vegetable mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until browned; stir to crumble.
4. Drain meat mixture; place in a 6-quart electric slow cooker. Stir in tomatoes and remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
5. Remove and discard bay leaf.
6. Freezer Tip: The beauty of bolognese? It freezes well. Make it ahead to have on hand for busy weeknights.