Mariu s Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup minced onion

1 clove garlic, minced

½ cup minced celery

2 tablespoons butter

1 pound lean ground beef

½ teaspoon white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon dried mint

6 ounces fresh chopped mushrooms

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

2 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 pound spaghetti

1 teaspoon olive oil

3 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

¼ cup grated Romano cheese

In a large skillet, warm olive oil over low heat; saute onion, garlic and celery until onion is transparent.

Stir in butter and increase heat to medium; brown beef until no longer pink. Mix in sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, mint and mushrooms; lower heat and stir for about 3 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine tomato paste and broth; pour liquid and basil to pot. Simmer over very low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil with 3 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Slip spaghetti into water holding on to ends until strands soften a bit. Cook over high heat for 7 to 8 minutes only. When properly cooked, raw taste should be gone but still have a firm texture.

When ready to serve, combine pasta with meat sauce; serve on a warmed platter or bowl topped with parsley and Romano cheese.