When I home-make pizza sauce, this is the recipe I usually use. It is an adaptation from Peter Reinhart’s great book American Pie on American pizza styles. Years ago, when I was scoutmaster of a troop in Houston, I once went to Lake Somerville before the troop to snatch the best possible campsites along the lake. My companion while I waited for the troop to arrive was American Pie which I read from cover to cover.

Part of this recipe which may not be expected is the addition of a small amount of vinegar to increase the brightness of the sauce.

1 can (28 oz.) good quality crushed tomatoes

¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 Tbs. granulated garlic

2 Tbs. red wine vinegar

½ – 1 tsp. salt.

Mix together the ingredients including at first the minimum amount of salt. Taste for seasoning. Makes 4 cups.