Italian Meatballs

Meatloaf and meatballs were not my thing growing up.  I did not care for them whatsoever.  Actually, we didn't really have meatballs growing up, so I'm not sure why I disliked them.  Jeff also made meatballs when we were dating and they were great!  Maybe I just never had them.  (Did you make them, Mom, and I just forgot?) Anyway, the other day, I made my mother-in-laws meatballs!  I've had the recipe for awhile, but was reminded of it when we went to their house a little while ago and ate them.  They were so good. Pure ingredients, all homemade.  So, I gave it a shot.  The recipe says that it makes 20 meatballs, but I'm not good at dividing up stuff equally to make a certain number, so I used a tablespoon to measure the meat.  Mine made 38 balls. (.84 pointsplus each)

Italian Meatballs
4 slices dry bread
1 lb ground beef (I used 96/4)
2 eggs
1/2 c grated Romano cheese
2 T chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t crushed oregano
1 t salt
dash pepper

Soak bread in water 2 to 3 minutes, then squeeze out moisture.  (This part was so gross!)  Combine soaked bread with remaining ingredients, mixing well.  Form into small balls (about 20).  Brown and cook them in 375 degree oven for about 20 minutes.

Yes there is one missing!  I had to try it out.  :-)

Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce

1/4 c vegetable oil
2 large onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
12 c fresh tomatoes, peeled
3 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste (or more)
3 T sugar
1 T salt
3/4 t pepper
3 T oregano
2-3 bay leaves

Heat oil in large kettle and cook onion, garlic, and green pepper until tender.  Add remaining ingredients-stir well after each addition.
Simmer uncovered 45-60 minutes.  (I recommend using a splash screen because mine made a mess on my stove.)  Remove bay leaves.  Meatballs may be added now and cooked for 30 minutes.  This sauce freezes well.  (I'm going to try that out!)
-More tomato paste may be added, if desired for extra thickening.

See all the splatters on the stovetop?  Such a mess!  :-)

Thank you so much for sharing your recipes Janie!  They are a delicious pair!  :-)