Mmmmmmmmeatballs...........

Have been working on a perfect meatball recipe.  There have been many trials and errors.... too dry was always the main hurdle to jump..... But on New Year's weekend I finally perfected it....  Funny thing is that I totally forgot about my recipe and the pictures from that weekend, until I found a batch frozen in my freezer and yes, they were so yummy for dinner last night.  

First I soaked some garlic croutons in milk until they had soaked up all the milk.  Using a higher fat content ground beef (about 3/4 pound) and about a pound of mild Italian sausage, I carefully mixed the meats along with the milk soaked croutons, minced garlic (I use tons of garlic), a little olive oil, Italian seasoned bread crumbs  and some grated Parmesan cheese.   I seasoned with a little bit of salt and lots of pepper.  Because of the higher fat content, oil and milk soaked croutons... no need for an egg

I carefully (meaning - I did not press them too hard - kept them airy and light) rolled them into ping pong ball sized meatballs....  

 I placed them on a baking sheet and baked them in a 325 degree oven - probably about 20-25 minutes until they were nicely browned...  do you see the bits and pieces of cheese?

I made a tomato sauce which I saw on the Rachel Ray show a long time ago.....  


Saute onions and garlic in olive oil.... once the onions are soft.... add about a 1/4 cup of a good red wine and about 1/4 cup of chicken, beef or veggie stock (I used chicken)  - remember to season with salt and pepper.... She said by using the stock... you are adding the flavor that cooking for hours would achieve... (So it must have been a 30 Minute Meal show)

Once it has reduced down a bit... add a couple cans of whole stewed tomatoes (large cans) and mash with potato masher... I also added a couple of small cans of tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.... Then place your meatballs in the sauce, cover and let simmer....  the sausage seasonings the sauce and then yummy dinner....  I would be happy just sitting down in front of the bowl with a nice crusty bread and just dip, take a bite of a meatball, and dip some more.... However my family would prefer to be bit more civilized.... so pasta was a must....  


Silly family!