Classic Italian Meatballs

meatballs

Meatballs. Meatballs. Meatballs!  Slightly browned, round balls of ground meat, flavored with a handful of components that create happiness in your mouth.  Texture and flavor are key to making the best meatballs.

My make-believe Italian side came out the other day.  There is something about the aroma of meatballs and tomato sauce simmering on the stove that makes me very happy.  My senses go into overdrive while stove-top magic is happening.  The air is filled with tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil, parsley, parmesan cheese, and red wine.  I feel like I should be singing, or better yet, have an Italian man using his expressive tone and hands while serenading me 😉

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Basic (But Not Boring) Tomato Sauce

tomatosauce

Tomato sauce can be simple and flavorful with just a few ingredients. Or, it can be detailed and chunky, as if you have a garden in your pot.

I love the smell of fresh herbs, mountains of garlic (maybe a little exaggerated), tomatoes, and red wine.  It’s important to pick a red wine that you enjoy drinking because a little is added to your sauce and a glassful for you.  A splash here and a taste there 🙂

I’ve said it before and will say it again: recipes are guidelines.  Especially tomato sauce recipes!  This is your chance to play around.  A pinch more of this and a splash more of that, you can add sautéed onions, mushroom, zucchini or peppers (hence the garden-in-your-pot analogy.)  Add a variety of meats for a more complex flavor.

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Garden Medley Ratatouille

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A garden medley to satisfy any vegetable lovers’ tastes.  This can be served on a bed of rice and served as a main meal or used as a side dish.

These vegetables are available year round in grocery stores but we are embarking on summer’s production of an abundance of fresh green zucchinis, deep purple eggplants, colorful peppers, and a variety of tomatoes.  Whether you have your own backyard garden or exploring local farmer’s markets, summer is about ready to explode with fresh pickings.

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Wedding Cake Cupcakes


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This is the time of year when graduations are in full swing. Everybody is happy and celebrating their special occassion with sweet treats. The daughter of my long-time friend Shelly, recently graduated from high school. Such a great time in one’s life. The feeling of satisfaction, knowing you’re finished with high school. Young, bright eyes filled with wonders of what lies ahead.

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Double Chocolate Cupcakes

kitchenmoments_doublechocolatecupcakes

Let’s celebrate my new journey with these decadent chocolate cupcakes topped with a silky raspberry buttercream!  After several years of creating and tasting with family and friends, I have decided to explore new adventures in the fascinating world of blogging. With my past experiences, and what I create on almost a daily basis, writing stories and taking photos about my Kitchen Moments seems to be the most natural fit.  

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