FRESH TOMATO SAUCE

I love to prepare this first thing in the morning and let it sit on the counter all day. It fills the kitchen with the most heavenly aroma and keeps me away from the stove! I usually toss with pasta, but you can easily drain the tomatoes and make bruschetta with this versatile sauce. 

3 lb. tomatoes, peeled and diced 
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil (optional)
2 T. minced fresh parsley (optional)
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. coarse salt
penne pasta

Combine all ingredients except salt and pasta. Let it sit in a large non-aluminum bowl at room temperature, covered, for 30 minutes, up to 6 hours. Prepare pasta. Toss with sauce and add salt just before serving. So simple, so delicious!