Homemade Spaghetti-O's!

In honor of the new Pre-Made, Our Way challenge, I created a recipe for homemade Spaghetti-O's. Well, the idea actually started at Trader Joe's (love that place!). Nick saw some little ring shaped pasta, Anelletti, and thought of Spaghetti-O's immediately. So I accepted his challenge and created a recipe.

Now, it's been a long time since I've had the canned version, but this version tastes much like I remember. I'll have to arrange a side-by-side taste test.. maybe do a meatball version, too! I highly recommend this recipe if you've got a Trader Joe's around- kids or no kids. :)


Homemade Spaghetti-O's
(I know this recipe isn't too exact, but relax- taste it as you go along, and do what you like. Have fun and be flexible!)

6 cups canned tomato sauce
3-4 cups water
2-3 teaspoons garlic powder (depending on how garlicky you like it)
1 lb bag anelletti (ring shaped pasta- you could use any small pasta- alphabet or stars would be fun!)
1-1 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (fresh shredded is best!)
1/4-1/2 cup milk
2 tbs butter
salt, to taste

1. Combine tomato sauce, water and garlic powder in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
2. When the tomato mixture is boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently (the pasta is tiny, so it's easy to stick to the bottom) for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is soft.
3. Stir in cheese until melted. Add milk, butter and salt to taste. Taste it, check it out, see how you like the flavors. Then enjoy it!