During the winter months when fresh tomatoes are scarce, Miyoko Schinner demonstrates how to make a delicious tomato pasta sauce using frozen tomatoes picked during the summer. The process involves thawing the tomatoes, cooking them down in a pan with garlic and olive oil, and mashing them to create a sweet, flavorful sauce reminiscent of peak summer. Adding smoked shiitake mushrooms to the sauce gives it a rich umami depth, with the mushrooms being smoked over wood chips to achieve a savory flavor.

Schinner emphasizes the simplicity and comfort of this dish, which combines sweet tomatoes, smoky mushrooms, garlic, and pasta to create a satisfying meal. The process involves no canning, instead relying on freezing tomatoes at peak ripeness to capture their flavor easily. This winter pasta sauce not only offers a delicious alternative during cold months but also serves as a reminder that even simple meals can provide comfort during difficult times.