Olive Garden Dipping Sauces for Breadsticks (Original Post 6/20/11)

Again, this recipe is from the Top Secret Restaurant Recipes 3 by Todd Wilbur.

Menu description: freshly prepared Alfredo or marinara sauce served warm.

Alfredo Sauce:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter

1 TBS. minced garlic ( about 3 cloves)

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

3/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Make Alfredo sauce by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic to the butter and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the cream, salt, pepper, and cheese. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium/low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until thick, stirring often.

This recipe makes about 2 1/2 cups or so.

Tips:

When using minced garlic, I buy the already minced kind in the produce department. Mainly because I use it in most recipes and it is already minced for you.

Marinara Sauce:

Ingredients:

3 TBS extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup diced onion

1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic ( about 1 1/2 cloves)

1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

3/4 cup of water

1 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. dried basil

1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning herb blend

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Ass the onion and garlic and sauté for 1- 2 minutes, or until the garlic begins to turn a light brown. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, and then add the remaining ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring often.

Tips: If I was making this, I would leave the onion out. Also, I don’t think I would add the sugar either as I am not really fond of sweet sauces. Again, I used the already minced garlic, so it is easier.