In the last several years I have made a conscious effort to not only shop and eat local but to also try to buy as many food products as i can from local growers and vendors.  Earlier in the year I wrote, what has become one of my most viewed posts about Locavore Living in Central Indiana.  I don’t restrict ‘Keeping it Local’ to just farms and local markets.  I also seek out products that are made in my own backyard.  I am not sure if you know this but Red Gold Tomato Products are grown, canned and sold right here in Indiana!  I have even driven by their growing fields!  Now, can you get more ‘local’ than that?

I have been quite a fan of Red Gold for a long time but now that they have released a line of Tuttoroso Pasta Sauces and high-end whole tomatoes as well as their new Culinary Classics Line of products I can find everything I need for my family cooking ????

One of my favorite, hearty and quick weeknight meals is Pasta with a Creamy Tomato Sauce.  This meal might take 25 minutes from start to finish and when you have so many activities, projects and deadlines like I do then you can really appreciate a quick weeknight meal!

Pasta with a Creamy Tomato Sauce
1 pound of spaghetti, uncooked
1 pound of extra lean ground beef
1 jar of Tuttorosso Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
4 ounces of low-fat cream cheese
2 TB of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 oz of pasta water if you need to thin the sauce a bit.  I like to rinse out the sauce jar with it…no waste!

Cook spaghetti as directed until just al dente.  Meanwhile brown the hamburger in a large skillet.  Stir in the sauce and cream cheese.  Cook on low heat, 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is well blended and heated through.  Drain the pasta and add to the sauce, mixing lightly.  Place on a platter and top with a bit of freshly ground Parmesan cheese.

** This is not a paid endorsement for Red Gold Products….I just happen to like them! You can find it at any Meijer, Target, Marsh or Kroger ???? **