Is this an authentic family recipe or your own? I have my mother's version, and then my version, in my recipe(s) the garlic is not so prominant, and the sugar is not necessary if the tomatoes are not so acidic (in the old days canned tomatoes were VERY acidic, not so much anymore) and the fresh onions are a must... but thats just me, its whatever reminds you of home is what is important, I say, do it exactly as your mother, grandmother and/or family did to preserve the family recipe, then experiment on your own... for example my mother always used the bread crumbs from a can for the meatballs, but using fresh breadcrumbs just make the meatballs amazing... but when i want my mother's version, i make it her way