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MOM'S MEMORABLE MEATBALLS

My Italian Kitchen
by Janet Zappala
I remember coming home from school, opening the door, and smelling the inviting aroma of these meatballs. They were like a gift from Mom. Between us kids (and Dad) sneaking meatballs and dunking Italian bread into the sauce, it was a wonder we ever had any left for dinner. Try a few even without the sauce.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1-2 hours
Serves 5

INGREDIENTS

Meatballs:
• 1/4 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1½ pounds ground beef, pork, and veal (3-in-1 pack), preferably organic or all-natural
• 1/2 teaspoon water
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes, preferably Hunt's All-Natural
• 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce, preferably Hunt's All-Natural
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1/4 cup water, optional
• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

To Make Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, eggs, cheese, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the meat and 1/2 teaspoon of water; mix thoroughly. Shape the mixture into 15 medium- size meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauce pot over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Add the meatballs; brown them about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up any excess oil.

To Make Sauce;
In the same sauce pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the onion; saute for 2 minutes. Add the garlic; saute until golden. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, and oregano.

To Cook:
Add the meatballs to the sauce pot, gently stir, and bring to a boil. Lower heat; partially cover. Simmer 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add the water if the sauce gets too thick. Taste-test and season with salt and pepper. Serve with your favorite pasta.

Tip: You can make the meatballs smaller for a great party appetizer.

NUTRITION: Organic meats contain no antibiotics or added hormones. The animals are also fed organic feed with no ground-up animal parts.
(Per serving —three medium meatballs)  Calories: 200; Total Fat: 11 gms; Sodium. 380 mgs; Carbohydrates: 5 gms; Protein: 14 gms; Fiber: 6 gms