It's a Spicy Meatball!

The other night, I was watching Throw down with Bobby Flay and he was challenging Mike Moroni to a meatball cook off. I went to bed that night and literally dreamt all night that I was making meatballs in my sleep! So, yes, I had to go to the store that next day and get some ingredients for meatballs because nothing else would suffice.. I HAD to have Spaghetti and Meatballs! Of course, there are all these fancy ingredients you are supposed to use, like "Spanish" onion and "Italian" parsley. But, hello, I live in Paris! Our pickings are slim when it comes to gourmet ingredients. So, I substituted here and there..but here is the recipe! It was SO good that I had to share. (It also called for 4 oz. of whole milk and I totally forgot to add it. I didn't even miss it until I was thinking about it in the bathtub later that night. Yes, I was STILL thinking about Meatballs..ha ha)

This recipe made a TON of food so we had enough for lunches and leftovers another night...plus my dad came to eat too. And if any of you know my dad..he can put away the food. See, I came by it honest! :)

Meatballs

1 pound ground chuck

7 ounces dried bread crumbs

4 large eggs

6 ounces grated Parmesan/Asiago/Romano blend

3 ounces grated onion

2 ounces finely diced fresh garlic

2 ounces finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

2 ounces finely chopped fresh basil leaves

Salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in large bowl. If mixture seems a little loose add more bread crumbs.
Roll meatballs loosely about the size of a golf ball and place on baking sheet. Place into preheated oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Enjoy!

Simple Marinara Sauce
Olive oil

12 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 large or 2 medium onions, finely diced

2 (28-ounce) cans imported crushed tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon white or black pepper

1 large handful julienned fresh basil leaves

Salt to taste

crushed red pepper flakes (give it a few shakes)

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add oil.
Once heated add the garlic and onions to the pan.
Cook over medium heat until soft and slightly brown.
Next add the canned crushed tomatoes, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes and stir. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the julienned basil.

I am terrified of going back to the doctor tomorrow for my monthly weigh-in/check up tomorrow thanks to The Girl Scouts of America and these Meatballs. Yikes!