FERRANTE wrote:
> Sadly, I always thought my mom would be around to make the dishes she
> knew I loved. I never thought to ask her for the recipes, but I was a
> young adult, and still am. Maybe you can help me?
>
> My mom made what she called goulash. To me it was more like a stew.
> She would put elbow macaroni in it, V-8 Juice, chopped or whole
> tomatoes, I cannot remember, I think celery, and I want to say caraway
> seeds, but I could be wrong. She always put lots of hamburger in it,
> maybe an onion or two. I just do not remember.
>
> Any help you can give me is appreciated. I miss her cooking, but what
> I miss most is how wonderful she was, how she always put her family
> before herself, and how much she loved me.
>
> Thanks in advance for your help.
>
> Mark Ferrante

I totally understand the loss of a Mom. It's unlike any other loss you
will ever experience. As for the goulash (at least the Midwestern
version I grew up with) - you pretty much have the recipe already.
Brown some hamburger with chopped onions and celery, and then add
canned chopped tomatoes (and V-8 if you want to) Lots of black pepper,
some paprika, and onion owder. IIRC there isn't any garlic in it.
Pre-cook the pasta until al-dente and then add it to the pot so that it
can further absorb the tomato sauce. Simer on low for about 45 minutes
or more.

-L.