Posts
Really, it's the third Monday in a row. At least the kids made it to school. You should see the cute dog team and sled that picks them up!
Just kidding...
Since it's still so wintery, I am still very much into comfort food. But remember, it's Healthy Eating Month here at Mignarise, so the comfort food will be slimmed down.
There's nothing to warm your heart and tummy like spaghetti and meatballs. I would eat whole wheat pasta, but the kids won't. Barilla Plus makes a great compromise, because even though it's made with all kinds of healthy grains, fiber and protein, it tastes a lot like the regular old white pasta.
And please don't be horrified, but I often use sauce from a jar. Doctored up of course (did you honestly think I'd just serve it straight from the jar? Not that there's anything wrong with that).
Chop up, very small, half an onion, 2 carrots and some red bell pepper (or any other vegetable you like). If you dice the vegetables small enough even picky children won't notice them. Saute the vegetables, along with a clove or 2 of garlic, in a little olive oil. When it's soft, pour your jar of sauce over it. Tastes like you made it all by yourself. Which you did.
And when the meatballs are done, plop them into the sauce too, then simmer about 15 minutes before serving.
Very Tasty Turkey Meatballs
1 lb. ground turkey breast
1/4 cup panko or fresh bread crumbs (use the dried only as a last resort)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 egg + 1 egg white
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 Tbsp. dried minced onion
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Place all ingredients, except turkey, into a bowl and mix well, making sure eggs are well incorporated.
Add turkey and using your hands or a fork, combine with ingredients very well.
Form meatballs, about the size of golf balls, with wet hands. Place on parchment paper.
Bake for about 20 minutes. You can cut one open to make sure it's cooked through (it'll be completely white). Drop into spaghetti sauce, if desired.
Buono appetito!
