Ultimate Pizza Sauce

This is a great marinara that my wife makes for both pizza and spaghetti. It makes enough that we can make pizza one night and then still have enough for spaghetti the next night.

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced celery
1 clove garlic
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 small bay leaf
1 tsp fennel seeds

In a large skillet, melt butter with oil. Add the onion, celery and garlic - saute until soft & transparent. Add tomatoes (you can first blend them if you desire a smoother texture) and stir until combined. Add remaining ingredients and bring to slow simmer. Simmer 30 - 60 minutes (or not at all depending on how hungry you are...). The longer it simmers, the more infused the flavors will be. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Note: If using just for spaghetti, we usually omit the fennel seeds or use ground fennel.