Meatballs Three Ways (Garlic/Lamb, Basil/Chicken, Sesame/Tarmari/Beef)

Meatballs are the consummate party food!! And, as they say, variety is the spice of life.

Garlic Lamb Meatballs:
(serves 4)

EVOO cooking spray
1 lb. lean ground lamb
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. lemon zest
1/8 t. Johnny's Garlic Seasoning* or garlic powder
Kosher* salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 T. fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400. Mist a large baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the lamb, garlic, thyme, lemon zest, garlic seasoning, S&P. Mix well to combine. Use your hands to form mixture into 12 balls (or 24 mini meatballs*), and transfer to prepared baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice, and bake for 20-25 mins., or until meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.

Editor's note: I would make a dipping sauce using a jar of roasted garlic alfredo sauce, and then mix in plenty of lemon pepper and dried dill - to accompany these!!

Basil Chicken Meatballs:
(serves 4)

EVOO cooking spray
2 cups baby spinach, stems removed*
1 lb. lean ground chicken
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup whole-grain bread crumbs
1/4 cup crumbled feta
1 T. finely chopped fresh basil leaves
Kosher* salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven o 450. Mist a large baking dish with cooking spray. In a steamer basket over simmering water on med., steam spinach until wilted, 1-2 mins. Let cool, squeeze out water, and chop. In a large bowl, combine chicken, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, feta, basil, S&P, and spinach; mix well. Use your hands to form 12 balls (or, again 24 mini balls*). Transfer to prepared baking dish, and bake for 15-20 mins. until golden brown and no longer pink inside.

Sesame Tamari Beef Meatballs:
(serves 4)

EVOO cooking spray
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 large scallions, chopped
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup whole-grain bread crumbs
3 T. finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 T. reduced-sodium tamari sauce or Ponzu Citrus Sauce*
2 t. toasted* sesame oil
1 t. peeled and minced fresh ginger
Kosher* salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Sesame seeds*, toasted

Preheat oven to 500. Mist a large baking dish with spray. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, and mix well. Use your hands to shape mixture into 12 balls (or, you know the drill by now*). Transfer to prepare baking dish and bake for 15-20 mins. until golden brown and cooked through. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

"Failure is quitting. Everything else is part of the journey".

Have FUN today!!!

Love,

MM