“Does she still make that incredible oxtail gravy?!” This question came from a friend who had moved to Alaska about 25 years ago. It’s been a long time, but he still remembers one particular meal at our home that included this rich savory sauce.

Ingredients:

2 full large heads of garlic, (about 30-35) cloves separated, roasted, peeled, cloves left whole
2 T vegetable oil, or your favorite high heat oil
4 lbs oxtails
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
2 (28 oz) cans Italian or plum tomatoes, hand squished
1 (10-15 oz) can tomato puree, different brands will have different weights
8 oz good imported Italian tomato paste
1 cup beef stock
1/2 cup full bodied red wine such as a good zinfandel or tawny port
1 large handful fresh basil (24 leaves minimum), rinsed, dried, large leaves torn in half
1 bay leaf
3 T dark brown sugar, packed
2 T plus 1 t dried garlic (yes, more garlic)
1 T dried basil
1 T dried oregano
2 t dried thyme
1 1/2 t fennel seed, lightly ground with mortar and pestle
1 1/2 t dried crushed rosemary
1/2 t ground black pepper
1/4 t ground white pepper
Tabasco sauce to taste, start with 4-6 shakes of the jar
2 T flat Italian parsley, rinsed, dried, and chopped
1 lb sturdy pasta such as ziti, rigatoni, or those lovely little wagon wheels cooked al dente
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