"I rated this recipe 3 stars because I don't make it as written. Great recipe for beginners to use as a base to experiment with. I've used many kinds of canned tomatoes but I prefer Tuttarossa brand and, whether whole, crushed or diced, I like the ones that come in sauce. I go a little heavier on the garlic and throw some crushed red pepper into the oil with the garlic and onions for some kick while omitting the celery and carrots altogether. Once the tomatoes and bay leaves have been added and cooked down a bit, I add salt, pepper, italian seasoning and additional basil. I prefer a sweet sauce so I add sugar to taste throughout cooking. I throw about half of the sauce into the blender and then mix it back into the pot so there are still some chunks remaining - it will look a little orange because the blender emulsifies the oil but this will fade as the sauce sits. This recipe is endlessly modifiable, have fun with it!"