Even novice cooks are often surprised by how easy it is to make homemade pasta sauce that's far more flavorful than the jarred versions. Spaghetti sauce freezes well, so make a big batch to freeze, and you'll always have tasty sauce on hand for quick, healthy meals. To reheat frozen sauce, just place it in a pot over low to medium heat, and let it warm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat, and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic and heat the mixture until the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally.

Add the carrots, celery, salt and pepper to the pot, and cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.

Pour the tomatoes into the pot, and add red pepper flakes and bay leaves. Reduce heat to "Low" and let the sauce simmer and thicken for about one hour.

Remove the bay leaves from the sauce and throw them away. Stir the fresh basil into the sauce, and let it simmer five to 10 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat, and let the sauce cool. Ladle 2- to 3-cup portions into freezer bags or freezer-safe containers, and seal the bags or containers tightly before freezing them.