Spaghetti and Ricotta, Pork, and Beef Meatballs

First I sautéd a small onion diced in a tablespoon of olive oil.

After a couple minutes when it had softened I added 3 cloves of garlic minced.

After a minute I added 1 8 oz can of Tomato Paste

Then 1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes in Italian seasoning, 2 14 oz cans of fire roasted chopped tomatoes. You can add any different mixture of canned tomatoes. 

Then I poured in 1/4 a cup of red wine.

1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity. And a large pinch of salt and pepper.

Then I added 1/4 a cup of chopped Italian parsley. Brought to a boil then reduced to low, covered and heated for 20 minutes. 

For the meatballs I put in a large bowl:

1 lb of lean beef 

1 lb of ground pork

1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1  1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, fresh grated

1 egg (beaten)

1/2 a cup of Italian breadcrumbs

1/2 cup flatleaf parsley, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed between fingertips

a few grates fresh nutmeg

salt and pepper

Then I mixed them with my hands till fully incorporated. Then I rolled them into large 1 1/2 inch balls.

Line them up on a tray and bake at 325 for 20 minutes. Put them in the sauce, mix and cover the pot. Let simmer for 30 minutes. Then put in a pound of cooked spaghetti noodles, mix and serve! 

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

For my sloppy joe mixture I started out with 1/2 a cup of chopped onions sautéed in EVOO. Browned 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef. I added 1 1/2 cups of ketchup. Then 1 tsp of garlic powder

1 tsp of yellow mustard. 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. 

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons of vinegar

Then 1/4 a cup of brown sugar.

Half a packet of powdered vegetables I got in Citrus Lane box, I wanted to at least get a serving of vegetables. 

Then I covered that and let it go for 20 minutes on low heat till melded.

Buttered 1 piece of bread and put the sloppy joe sauce on the other side. Top with a mound of shredded cheddar Cheese. (This picture was from my previous night of making it)

Grill away. For half of them I put crispy potato chips on before closing the bread together. Yum!

Then I stuck 9 toothpicks in and cut with a bread knife into cubes.