The Story of Bobbee’s All Day Bolognese

Written by Von’s President, Missy Claridge

A scrumptious looking plate of pasta bolognese sits on a table among a feast. Steam rises from the dish, evoking a sensory response.

Every Christmas Eve, my family gathers at my parents’ home for a cherished tradition: the slow cooking of a giant roast in anticipation of the legendary Bobbee’s Bolognese.

Around the table, my dad, affectionately known as Bobbee to his grandkids, would share a heartwarming Christmas story called “Two Queens and a King.” It was a beautiful tale about my mom’s farm-life adventures, spreading holiday joy to neighboring families.

After the story’s final words hung in the air, our attention shifted to the remnants of our Christmas roast. But the culinary adventure was far from over. Donning an apron, Bobbee would then spend two magical hours by the stove, orchestrating a symphony of meats and tomatoes, all the while sipping his favorite Savor Spear Bourbon. As the clock chimed late into the night, most of the family had left, leaving Bobbee alone in his culinary workshop. With a pinch of Sicilian Spice, a dash of Umami Seasoning, and a little leftover Von’s Red Hammer Blend for good measure, the sauce, simmering gloriously for 12 hours, had transformed into something magical. Bobbee’s secret was adding the seasonings in the final hour before turning off the heat. After a final two fingers of Bar Boss Bourbon, he would whisper, “Rest, gentle sauce. Tomorrow, you are ours.”

Christmas morning arrived with the promise of a feast, and there was Bobbee, still at the stove, tending to his bubbling cauldron of flavors. As Christmas day dawned, our family joyfully unwrapped presents, each one holding the promise of happiness. Yet, amid the excitement, there was a collective anticipation for the pièce de résistance – Bobbee’s Bolognese. With eager hearts, we prepared Von’s famous Seattle Sourdough Scala Pasta, and thus began the grand celebration of the Christmas spirit – a feast fit for royalty in the realm of culinary enchantment.

Here’s to the memories that shape traditions into what they truly mean. Cheers.

Bobbee’s All Day Bolognese

The condensed recipe for the home cook

6-8 servings | 2.5 hours

Ingredients:

  • 1# Von’s 1000Spirits Sourdough Pasta
  • 1# Italian sausage or spicy
  • 1# ground beef 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 
  • 1 tablespoon butter 
  • Sofrito (1 medium onion,1 large carrot, 1 celery stalk. All finely chopped) 
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 
  • One 6oz can tomato paste 
  • 1 anchovy 
  • 1 cup red wine 
  • 1 tablespoon Von’s Sicilian seasoning 
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce 
  • 1 tablespoon beef base 
  • 3 cup water 
  • 1 parmesan rind (secret) 
  • 2 teaspoon salt 
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper 

Directions:

Make the Sauce: 

  • Heat sauce pan over medium heat. Add oil and veggies and stir until soft and translucent. 
  • Add garlic and anchovy and stir for 1 minute.
  • Add meat and stir, breaking up until dark brown and meat starts to fry. 
  • Add Von’s Sicilian seasoning, salt and pepper and stir to combine.  
  • Add tomato paste, stir and fry until deep red. 
  • Add red wine and cook until almost dry, scraping bottom.  
  • Mix beef base, red wine vinegar, and soy sauce with water. 
  • Simmer low for 2 hours. 
  • Add 1 parm rind. 
  • Add more water if needed. 
  • Season as needed.

Cook the Pasta: 

  • Generously season 6 quarts of water with a small fistful of kosher salt. 
  • Bring to a boil and add Von’s 1000Spirits Sourdough Pasta for 8 minutes or to your desired firmness.