How to Make Store-Bought Pasta Sauce Taste Homemade
Updated: Jan. 23, 2022Our Community Cooks tell you what to add to spaghetti sauce (the store-bought kind!) to make it taste like it's straight from Nonna's kitchen.
Don’t have much time to cook dinner? Grab your pasta pot—it’s Spaghetti Night (or Chicken Penne Night or Lasagna Skillet Night…you get the idea). Our Community Cooks are about to tell you what to add to spaghetti sauce from the supermarket to give it some serious Italian appeal. The finished product may taste like you stood at the stove for hours, but these tried-and-true tricks take mere minutes.
How to Make Store-Bought Pasta Sauce Taste Homemade
Our Community Cooks recommend that when you’re stocking up on pasta sauce, look for a traditional, meatless variety so you can doctor it up with as many or as few ingredients as you like without worrying that they’ll clash. “Honestly, I treat it like tomato sauce,” says Shawn Barto.
Ingredients:
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 pound ground beef, Italian sausage or meat of your choice
- 1 small onion
- Garlic, to your taste
- Chopped vegetables of your choice
- 1/4 cup broth, red wine or vodka
- Fresh or dried herbs of your choice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Tools:
- Dutch oven or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups/spoons
Directions
Step 1. Brown Some Meat
Pop a Dutch oven on the stove and get it nice and hot. Then brown ground beef, bulk Italian sausage— or anything from the butcher’s case. Set it aside and tent with foil. (If you have precooked meat, like pepperoni or leftover grilled chicken, hold off for now.) Got an extra pound of ground beef? Here are some ground beef recipes that will put it to work.
Step 2. Veg out, or, Rather, In
If you have a few minutes to spare, don’t add the sauce to the pan just yet. Saute a chopped onion or some minced garlic in the Dutch oven to add more savory goodness to the sauce. Now’s the time to add any other chopped vegetables you like, too: “Peppers, eggplant, zucchini, carrot, mushrooms, etc.,” suggests Ann Sheehy. Speaking of veggies, here are some of the healthiest vegetables you can add.
Step 3. Booze It Up
Once your veggies are tender, you could deglaze the pan with broth, balsamic vinegar, or you could add red wine or vodka like Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh does. Keep the bottle handy. You’ll need it again in a minute.
Step 4. Dump in the Sauce
And reach for that adult-beverage bottle again, says Crystal Jo Bruns: “Swirl about 1/4 cup of your favorite red wine in the jar to get out the very last dribbles of sauce to add amazing flavor.” A glass of red pairs great with any of these Italian recipes.
Step 5. Add in the Savory Stuff
Stir the meat you browned earlier or any precooked meat you have on hand into the sauce. And if you want to use canned tomatoes or mushrooms (“Canned are fine!” assures Allison Ochoa), toss them in, along with the dried seasonings you want. Some Community Cooks even add a pinch of sugar. Let the sauce bubble away, uncovered, for as long as possible. Here are some of our Community Cooks’ favorite Taste of Home recipes.
Step 6. Finish It Off
Before you take your new-and-improved sauce to the table, cut the heat and stir in a pat of butter or a splash of half-and-half for extra creaminess, or minced fresh herbs for extra freshness. “I also add Better Than Bouillon to make it taste like it’s been simmering forever,” explains Angela Lively. Last, sprinkle in freshly shredded Parm. Time to eat! Psst! Did you know Parmesan isn’t vegetarian?
What to add to spaghetti sauce that is too sweet?
If your pasta sauce comes out a bit too sweet for your tastes, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. The acidity will help cut the sweetness and result in a more balanced sauce. Check out how to fix other common cooking mistakes.
How do you thicken spaghetti sauce?
The best way to add some bulk to a watery pasta sauce is to add about 1/8-1/4 cup of starchy pasta water. If you’ve already strained the pasta, you can mix together a bit of cornstarch and water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce instead.
No matter how much time you have, these pasta sauce hacks from our Community Cooks are sure to earn a big bravo from your family. And remember, it’s all about convenience and resourcefulness, says Kelly Kirby: “Never the same twice!” You’ve got this.
Try It With These Incredible 5-Star Pasta Recipes
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Cajun Chicken & Pasta
This kicked-up cajun chicken pasta recipe is a family favorite and my most requested dish. It's easy to adapt, too. Swap in shrimp for the chicken, add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level to your family's taste—you can't go wrong! —Dolly Kragel, Smithland, Iowa
Hearty Ragu Bolognese
My robust ragu combines ground beef, sausage and chicken. Serve it over any type of pasta, or baked or fried polenta. It's even good on its own with a slice of hot buttered garlic bread. —Caroline Brody, Forest Hills, New York
Caprese Macaroni Salad
When fresh tomatoes and basil are abundant in the summer, I like to make this wonderful Caprese macaroni salad. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
When the weather's too chilly to grill burgers, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas (Here's a handy guide to how much pasta you need per person.)
Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, this Tuscan chicken pasta is just the ticket. After the milk and cream cheese are added, the mixture will look liquidy. Just continue to cook and stir and the dish will come together. —Amber Gaines, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Grilled Chicken Salad
A few years back, I was looking for a simple yet delicious salad for a picnic for my boyfriend and myself. Now that guy is my husband, and we still enjoy going on picnics and dining on this grilled chicken salad. It's perfect as a meal or side. —Juli Stewart, Coppell, Texas
Ham Ravioli Bake
I based this recipe on a dish my husband likes to order when we go out for Italian food. Not only does he love it, my one-year-old daughter does, too. She'll grab a whole ravioli and eat it! —Jennifer Berger, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Roasted Pumpkin Lasagna
This is a hearty meatless meal that my family enjoys. If you're not a fan of pumpkin, you can use butternut squash instead. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario
Summer Zucchini Pasta
This simple and healthy summer zucchini pasta is a wonderful side or meatless entree, but you can add shredded chicken or grilled salmon for a heartier dish. —Beth Berlin, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Spicy Thai-Inspired Noodle Watermelon Salad
Our county is famous for its fabulous Green River melons. While you won’t find this unique and refreshing salad at the county fair, it’s definitely our favorite way to eat watermelon all summer long! —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce
Heart-healthy avocado makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being overly rich. The flavorful sauce is so luscious, you’ll think there is cream hiding in there. It’s guilt-free and dairy-free, but with a texture and consistency that’s similar to traditional cream-based sauces. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Zucchini Tomato Pasta
I came up with this zucchini tomato pasta recipe after planting too many zucchini plants in our vegetable garden. My husband loved it the first time I served it and now we make it quite often.—Joy Turner, Amherst, Ohio
Easy Chicken Alfredo
This dish's classic sauce is almost as simple as opening up a jar but tastes so much better. The easy chicken Alfredo recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Easy Vegetable Lasagna
Bursting with garden favorites, this easy vegetable lasagna is a vegetable lover's dream. The pasta layers are generously stuffed with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, peppers and onion in homemade tomato sauce. —Susanne Ebersol, Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
Hearty Tomato-Olive Penne
Who needs meat when you have a pasta dish loaded with tomatoes, olives and Havarti cheese? I often assemble it in advance and bake the next day, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.—Jacqueline Frank, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Greek Orzo Salad
Tart and refreshing, this side salad is a big hit at Judy Roberts' Las Vegas, Nevada home. With all the tasty toppings—including red onion, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing—you'd never know it has just 7 grams of fat. "Tiny pasta called orzo gives it extra interest," Judy notes.
Garlic Spaghetti
"I make this family favorite at least two or three times a month," remarks Jackie Messina of Chardon, Ohio. "It's wonderful with a salad and fresh Italian bread." Besides being easy to prepare, this meatless main dish is easy on the pocketbook at just 61 cents per serving.
Quick Fettuccine Alfredo
This simple fettuccine Alfredo recipe combines heavy whipping cream Parmesan and Romano cheese or a creamy, cheesy sauce that'll come together in minutes. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana
Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone
When I crave Italian comfort food on a busy night and don't have a lot of time to cook, this sausage tortellini skillet recipe is fast and yummy. You can have it on the table in less time than a takeout order. —Gerry Vance, Millbrae, California
Lemon Shrimp Orzo
What I love about this lemon shrimp orzo is that it's so tasty and it can be eaten hot or cold. It tastes great with chicken, too. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York
Pasta Napolitana
This is the ultimate meat lovers sauce and is my copycat version of The Cheesecake Factory's pasta. Rich and hearty, with tremendous flavors, this pasta Napolitana will disappear quickly. I always make extra sauce, as it freezes very well. —John Pittman, Northampton, Pennsylvania
Fresh Summer Pasta Salad
While preparing lunch, I made this summer pasta salad for dinner. It was fast and easy; delicious and colorful. We love to enjoy the fresh fruits and veggies in season. I served this salad with almond crackers and sharp cheddar slices. So tasty! —Cathy Orban, Chandler, Arizona
Ranch Pasta
I came up with this ranch pasta after making recipes for a bridal shower. It was party day and I needed to take some shortcuts! Everyone loves the simple Parmesan ranch white sauce, and it's easy to throw in veggies you have on hand. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Slow-Cooker Veggie Lasagna
This “veggie-licious“ alternative to traditional lasagna makes use of slow-cooker convenience. I suggest using chunky spaghetti sauce. —Laura Davister, Little Suamico, Wisconsin
Sue’s Spicy Tomato Basil Tortellini
A friend remarked about a similar baked tortellini dish at a restaurant, so I wanted to try re-creating it for her at home. My stovetop version makes it weeknight easy. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Peas Please Asian Noodles
My Asian-inspired pasta salad doubles up on the peas for some serious crunch and sweetness. —Catherine Cassidy, Editor, Taste of Home
Gorgonzola Shrimp Pasta
This creamy pasta dish is so quick and easy. It's perfect for weeknights, but feels special enough for company. —Robin Haas, West Roxbury, Massachusetts
Sausage Lasagna
The idea for this sausage lasagna recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who always makes it for my three boys on special holidays. I've put an easy twist on Carole's classic dish, and it's become one of my go-to dinners as well! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA
Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad
I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Pizza Spaghetti
This recipe came to me when I saw someone dip a slice of pizza into a pasta dish. My wife and kids love it and so do my friends! —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
Asparagus Ham Dinner
I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska
Beef Burgundy Over Noodles
I got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa
Ravioli Lasagna
When you taste this casserole, you'll think it came from a complicated, from-scratch recipe. Really, though, it starts with frozen ravioli and has only three other ingredients. —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina
Creamy Salmon Linguine
Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could easily sub in any veggies you have on hand for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
Rich Baked Spaghetti
It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Chicken Broccoli Shells
This cheesy entree is a make-ahead dream. Just assemble it ahead of time and put it in the oven when company arrives. I round out the meal with a tossed salad and warm bread. —Karen Jagger, Columbia City, Indiana
Mexican Pasta Bake
This casserole makes a delicious change of pace from ordinary pasta casseroles. The corkscrew noodles? They make it fun! —Joy Smith, Bigfork, Minnesota
Asparagus 'n' Shrimp with Angel Hair
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It’s easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Creamy Sausage-Mushroom Rigatoni
In Rome, we dined near the Pantheon. The amazing restaurant is now history, but its memory lives on in this tasty pasta with mushrooms and sausage. —Barbara Roozrokh, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Lemon Chicken with Orzo
Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Sausage Manicotti
This classic Italian entree comes together in a snap but tastes as if it took hours. It's so tasty and easy to fix. My family always enjoys it. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Rigatoni Chard Toss
I had to get my firefighter husband to eat more fruits and veggies to lower his cholesterol and triglycerides. Fresh chard and tomatoes add a lot of fiber and vitamins to our diets, but we love this recipe for the flavor. While he would never admit to eating "health food" around the firehouse, this dish is one of many that made his trips to the doctor much more pleasant! —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California
Traditional Lasagna
My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois
Thai Beef Stir-Fry
A distinctive peanut sauce complements this colorful combination of tender sirloin strips, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and mushrooms. I like to dish it up over spaghetti, but you could use fried noodles instead. —Janice Fehr, Austin, Manitoba
Broccoli-Pasta Side Dish
I love to fix new recipes for my husband, Robert, and our children. With garlic and cheese, this broccoli pasta is a tasty way to get kids to eat their veggies. —Judi Lacourse, Mesa, Arizona
Tortellini Carbonara
Bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that's absolutely heavenly. It's a delightful option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Shells
This is my own personal recipe. I'm very proud of it because I am still a beginner cook and it was the first recipe I created. You can adjust it to your liking by doubling the spinach or adding some meat. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
Artichoke & Lemon Pasta
While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Vegetarian Linguine
Looking for a tasty alternative to the usual meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish. My oldest son came up with the scrumptious supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
Thanksgiving Stuffed Shells
Leftover turkey, dressing and sweet potatoes make terrific stuffing for jumbo pasta shells. We add cheese and use turkey gravy as the sauce for this crowd-pleaser. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Spinach-Basil Lasagna
In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven't made another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Easy Meatball Stroganoff
This recipe has fed not only my own family, but many neighborhood kids! They come running when I make this supper. It's one of those things you throw together after work on a busy day because you know it works. —Julie May, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Artichoke Florentine Pasta
Pasta loaded with artichokes and creamy cheese is everything a Sunday dinner should be: rich, tasty and memorable. Add cooked chicken, shrimp or crab if you like. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana
Gingered Spaghetti Salad
We love this chilled chicken salad brimming with colorful veggies. Make it meatless by omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado
Creamy Spinach & Rigatoni Bake
Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. My recipe gives it an Italian twist. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Wheely-Good Pasta Salad
Red pepper pieces accent this yummy side dish, and the pasta wheels really drive the theme home. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
Quick Chicken Parmesan
My mother inspired me to develop my first pasta sauce. It's tangy, simple and really satisfying. The longer it simmers, the better it gets, so keep that in mind if you have time to spare. —Danielle Grochowski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chicken Pesto with Pasta
Prepared sauce accents this warm chicken pesto pasta. Keep pesto in the freezer for the next time you have leftover chicken. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Creamy Skillet Noodles with Peas
I’ve made this creamy noodle side for years. Since kids and adults go for it, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. —Anita Groff, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania
Beef & Spinach Lo Mein
If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Linguine with Broccoli Rabe & Peppers
Broccoli rabe is one of my favorite veggies. Since it cooks right with the pasta, you can multitask. Before you know it, dinner is served. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Hay and Straw
This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, it's pretty, too. This colorful pasta dish combines julienned ham, Parmesan cheese, peas and linguine.—Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
Shrimp Tortellini Pasta Toss
No matter how you toss 'em up, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta
My veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois
White Seafood Lasagna
We make lasagna with shrimp and scallops as part of the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. Every bite delivers a tasty “jewel” from the sea. —Joe Colamonico, North Charleston, South Carolina
Easy Ziti Bake
I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Elaine Anderson New Galilee, Pennsylvania
Southwestern Casserole
I've been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole recipe for years. It tastes wonderful, fits nicely into our budget and, best of all, makes a second one to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Artichoke Chicken Pasta
Here's a colorful, delicious chicken dish that's easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for guests. Oregano, garlic and a light wine sauce add lovely flavor. —Cathy Dick, Roanoke, Virginia
Favorite Baked Spaghetti
This baked spaghetti is my grandchildren's most-loved dish. It feels like such a special dinner and is so cozy for winter. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Shrimp Orzo with Feta
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Greek-Style Ravioli
Here's a flavorful Greek twist on an Italian classic. It’s an easy weekday meal that’s become one of our favorites. My husband and I enjoy it with garlic cheese toast. —Hetti Williams, Rapid City, South Dakota Also check out these 21 easy and delicious ravioli recipe ideas.
Pizza Pasta Casserole
Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Baked Mac and Cheese
Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware
Angel Hair Primavera
I love to make this when summer is in full swing and the vegetables are at their very best. You can substitute almost any vegetable when in season and at my house, this dish is almost never the same. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Pumpkin-Chorizo Bow Ties
Chicken sausage is such a convenient way to add flavor to healthy dishes. If your family doesn't like spicy food, skip the red pepper flakes and use a mild-flavored sausage. The pumpkin really stands out that way. —Sharon Ricci, Mendon, New York
Pesto Pasta & Potatoes
Although this healthy pasta dish is pretty simple to begin with, it's made even easier because you can throw the green beans and pasta into one big pot to cook. —Laura Flowers, Moscow, Idaho
Mushroom Bolognese with Whole Wheat Pasta
A traditional Bolognese sauce is meat-based with everything from pork to pancetta. Skipping the meat, I loaded this pasta dish with baby portobellos and veggies. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Bacon Tortellini Bake
I stirred up this easy tortellini bake and figured if we all like it, others might, too. Broccoli and bacon add color and crunch to this creamy casserole. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Best Ever Mac & Cheese
To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Cheesy White Lasagna
Here’s my best version of my favorite food—lasagna! The recipe is a winner, so it’s worth the extra prep. You’ll have plenty of time to plan side dishes while the main dish is cooking. —Suzanne Smith, Bluffton, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs
I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Gnocchi with White Beans
Here’s one of those no-fuss gnocchi recipes you can toss together and cook in one skillet. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s also good with crumbled Italian chicken sausage if you need to please meat lovers. —Julianne Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Artichoke Blue Cheese Fettuccine
Store-bought Alfredo sauce speeds along this flavorful, meatless entree. I use dry pasta, but you can use refrigerated fettuccine to make this recipe even faster. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia Originally Published: January 04, 2021
