Thank You, Santa!

This is one of my most awesomest Christmas presents. It's a good thing it's winter, too, because all I want to do now is cook stews, roasts and anything else that has to simmer in my pretty dish. Today I broke it in and made a yummy Bolognese Sauce. The longer you let this simmer, the better. I let mine cook for about four hours on the lowest heat. Enjoy!

Bolognese Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 slices of bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 large onion, minced

2+ cloves garlic, minced

1/2 lb lean ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced

(if you aren't a fan of mushrooms, then half this amount and mince them)

2 carrots, shredded

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (15oz) can tomato sauce

1/2 dry white wine

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet, warm oil over medium heat and saute bacon, onion and garlic until bacon is browned and crisp; set aside. In large saucepan, brown beef and pork. Drain off excess fat. Stir in bacon mixture, mushrooms, carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, broth, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Cover, rediuce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally. Serve over rigatoni, or other chunky pasta.