September 05, 2011

Spaghetti and Meatballs


Fall is in the air!  I can smell it, feel it, hear it and taste it!  The early morning chill in the air calls for two cups of coffee and breakfast on the back porch in sweat pants and a hoodie.  Open windows while you're sleeping and lots of snuggling during the night to ward off the threat of a chill.  An extra blanket thrown over the bottom of the bed to pull up over yourself for an afternoon nap.  Spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove all afternoon while the kids are out enjoying the beautiful weather exploring the creek and nearby field.  As my daughter says, "It's perfect adventuring weather!".  Yes, my dear, it is perfect adventuring weather! 


They spent 5 hours outside today.  How do I know that?  Because, my little man who would rather spend 5 hours on video games was forced to go outside and enjoy today's weather.  He kept track of the hours...  When he came home from his adventures and stepped in the door he took a big inhale and a huge smile broke across his face.  The spaghetti sauce was simmering away and there was an Apple Cake in the oven (will be posted later).  This is what makes home, home.  I hope this is one of the many happy memories my kids recall when they think back on their childhood.

Rotini and Meatballs
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients for the Meatballs:
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 12 Saltines
  • 2 heaped t. Dijon mustard
  • 1 lb. ground beef, pork, or mixture of the two - I always use a mixture of the two
  • 1 heaped T. dried oregano - I used Thyme today
  • 1 large egg
  • Sea salt and black pepper
  • olive oil
 Ingredients for the Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 t. salt
  • 1 t. white sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 3/4 t. dried basil
  • 1/2 t. ground black pepper
  • 24-ounce box of pasta - we like to use Rotini
    Instructions for the Meatballs:
    1. Pick the rosemary leaves off the woody stalks and finely chop them. Place the crackers in a baggie and finely crush them. Add to the bowl with the mustard, ground meat, chopped rosemary, and oregano (or thyme). Crack in the egg and add a good pinch of salt and pepper. With clean hands, scrunch and mix up well. Divide into 4 large balls. With wet hands, divide each ball into 6 and roll into little meatballs - you should end up with @ 24. Drizzle them with olive oil and jiggle them about so they all get coated. Put them on a plate, cover, and refrigerate until needed.
    Instructions for the Sauce:
    1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until onion is translucent. Stir in tomatoes, salt, sugar and bay leaf. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 90 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, basil, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and meatballs and simmer 30 minutes more. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to box directions. Serve.
    Adapted from Allrecipes.com and Jaimie's Food Revolution - love that book!

    Servings: 1
    Calories:  729
    Total Fat:  28.5 g
    Cholesterol:  117 mg.
    Sodium:  1494 mg.
    Protein:  40.6g.

    20 comments:

    1. this looks fabulous deliciously done

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    2. Nothing better than a classic spaghetti and meatballs! Even if it is rotini :)

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    3. Your spaghetti looks like mine...well sorta, usually I use a variety of pastas as I'm trying to empty out used pasta boxes.

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    4. "It's perfect adventuring weather!".

      I wish I were young again!

      Great post, love the classics

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    5. Ohhh your meatballs look so good! I'm going to make meatballs tonight. I have been thinking of it since last night I saw your facebook entry...heheee. Looks really good and I want some already!

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    6. Anonymous6.9.11

      The pictures are making me drool! It screams comfort and looks incredibly delicious. I wish I had a big bowl of it in front of me, yum! Thanks for sharing Dee looks great! =]

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    7. Spaghetti or rotini... Smother it in really good tomato sauce and meatballs and I am there!!! This looks delicious.

      So, when is the next blog hop? I missed the last one. : (

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    8. Anonymous7.9.11

      What a timeless classic, great recipe!

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    9. Yum! I just made spaghetti and meatballs last night. Such a delicious classic. I will have to try this recipe next time around.

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    10. In the last week I have been noticing folks are switching back to the faithful fall recipes. The crisp chill in the air is making me agree. What great meatballs, yum!

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    11. Dee...there is nothing better than home made spaghetti sauce that is allowed to simmer all day! How sweet and rich that must have been! I'd rather spend 5 hours 'adventuring' in YOUR KITCHEN!!! And can't wait for the apple cake! : )

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    12. In preparation of autumn, I look forward to making comfort foods such as the spaghetti dish you featured. I look forward to cooking with you sometime!

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    13. Fall is in the air here too! I was just thinking that spaghetti and meatballs would be perfect for dinner tonight and yours look fantastic.

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    14. I've never added dijon to my meatballs before. I'm sure it adds amazing flavor!

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    15. Don't you just love fall??? Your description was so great and summed up so many of the things I love about it! The spaghetti and meatballs sounds perfect for this time of year and can't wait to see the apple cake!

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    16. Spaghetti and meatballs...such a simple meal, but soooo comforting :)

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    17. I love spaghetti and meatballs. Omgosh the picture of the meatballs in the pan on the stove... I actually thought of taking a swim in it. : )

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    18. Your spaghetti and meatballs look wonderful! Those meatballs look so yummy!!! I'm so excited for fall weather too! Can't wait for it to finally cool down here in FL!

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    19. Wow Dee this is spectacular. Great meal to make for the munchkins after a day outside adventuring.

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    20. Ive been looking for a good spaghetti and meatball recipe! This one looks perfect :-)

      Thank so much for sharing! I'll definitely try it out!

      -Katherine

      www.byKatherineElizabeth.com

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    Comments make me smile! Thank you for your love :)