Olive oil

1 packet hot Italian sausages 

1 large red onion, chopped

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

2 dried bay leaves

2 dried red chilies

1/3 bottle Italian dry red wine

2 cans diced tomatoes

A little grated nutmeg

4 ounces grated parmesan cheese

1 cup whipping cream

1 packet penne pasta

Crumble the sausages in a pan and cook in a little olive oil, breaking up the sausage up into very small pieces as you go. Add the onion, garlic and bay leaves and crumble in the chili (using plastic gloves!). Cook gently for 30 minutes, then pour in the wine and turn up the heat to evaporate the liquid. Drain the tomatoes, add to sauce and lower heat to simmer for 45 minutes. 

Meanwhile, cook the pasta as directed and transfer to a serving bowl. Add nutmeg, parmesan and cream to the sauce and pour over the pasta. Serve immediately.

Adjust spice by reducing amount of chili or using sweet Italian sausage instead of hot. Wegman’s brand sausage is good.