I hope this recipe becomes as much a lifesaver for you as it is for me. I work hard as the dance studio director at Steps Performing Arts Centre in Hamilton and as a choreographer for firefighter fashion shows that raise money for charities. And as a single mother of three, I’m always juggling my many responsibilities—and feeding my family a healthy meal that won’t bore them can be challenging. I like to cook in large batches so that the dish lasts throughout the week. My Mama Mollie Sauce, as my son Jimmy dubbed it, rises to any occasion. It’s super easy and is delicious on whole-wheat pasta or meat. And you can add whatever veggies you want. I keep the leftover sauce in the fridge, ready to be baked with chicken or lean meat, or served cold on pitas with hummus.
—Fran McKechnie, Hamilton, Ont.

Sauté garlic, onion, carrots and red pepper (and other fresh vege­tables, if desired) in olive oil. Add seasonings, and sauté for about five minutes. Stir in tomatoes, and add honey (which reduces the tomatoes’ acidity). Let simmer on med­ium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over pasta, chicken or lean pork or beef

Sauce serves seven. Per 100-g serving: 130 calories, 1 g protein, 10 g total fat (1.5 g saturated), 9 g carbohydrates, 2 g fibre, 0 mg cholesterol, 72 mg sodium.