The grand finale of my Italian Valentine’s Week was a huge success!!

My husband said it was probably one of the best meals he has ever had.

It was good (if I do say so myself 🙂 )

It’s probably one of the most traditional Italian meals that also happens to be my husband’s favorite.

He loves Meatballs.  He gets spaghetti with meatballs, cheese bread with meatballs, calzones with meatballs and pizza with meatballs.

So it makes perfect sense to……

Make meatballs.

Traditional Meatballs

(adapted from Paula Deen)

• 1½ pounds ground chuck
• 1 pound ground hot Italian sausage
• ¾ cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350˚

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack over baking sheet, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, sausage, panko, cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, and salt. Add beaten eggs, stirring gently to combine.

Shape into 2½-inch balls. Place on prepared rack, and bake for 30 minutes.

Makes around 24 meatballs. I froze half to pull out for an easy meal later.

Add to your favorite homemade or jarred spaghetti sauce.

-abp