Oma's Meatballs {with Homemade Bread Crumbs}

On our very first date, 25 years ago this month, I made my hubby spaghetti and meatballs.  It was a late night dinner after a  cold, blustery Fall day…and though it had been planned a week in advance, it just seemed like the best thing to make for a first date!  Our momma taught us how to make meatballs at an early age, so I was pretty sure I could pull it off.  Mind you, I didn’t eat hamburger and could hardly stand cooking them!  :}   By the way, that evening, my “date” told his friend I was the girl he was going to marry!  It is a good idea to learn how to cook from your momma!!! 

On a side note…this just happens to be David’s {our son-in-law} favorite, too!  So, for David’s  birthday party with both families, his momma and I are sharing making the meal.  I love being a mother-in-law and being part of a fun, BIG family!!  What a blessing to share a warm, cozy meal with one daughter, six BOYS, four very proud parents, two sweet grandparents, a spunky “auntie” and our insanely spoiled grand dog!  Happy Birthday, David!

Oma’s Meatballs

2 lbs. hamburger

1 tablespoon sea salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 eggs

¼ cup milk or half and half

3 cups bread crumbs {about 5  slices of day old white bread or 4 thick slices of leftover French bread}

5 garlic cloves or more  :}

¾ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon dried basil or 6 fresh leaves

1 teaspoon thyme or 4 fresh sprigs

Directions:

*Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.  I know.  I know.  I am a huge SILPAT fan, but I prefer the parchment paper to the SILPAT as it is makes for a faster, easier method when it comes to clean-up!  It also allows for nicely browned meatballs without sticking to your baking sheet for the next dozen wash cycles!

*Preheat oven to 375*.

*In a large bowl mix together hamburger, salt and pepper, eggs and milk.

*In a food processor or in a blender, blend bread, garlic, cheese and herbs.  Taa daa…You have just made your very own bread crumbs!

 

*Add homemade bread crumbs to meat mixture and mix away until everything is well blended.  Keep it light by using a fork to blend.  You are not making meatloaf this time.  :}

*Using a cookie scoop, scoop out your meatballs and place them on your prepared baking sheet. 

This recipe makes two batches of twelve.  Tried and true! 

Serve them over hot buttered rice or noodles...or let them simmer away in PREGO spaghetti sauce in the CROCKPOT for several hours. 

Unless we are having company, half of the batch gets frozen to be used at a later date.

*Spaghetti is one of my “go to” meals for when company comes or if I am short on time to make a meal to take to someone.  Simply keep store bought sauce on hand, noodles and frozen bread and you are almost good to go.  You may want to add a salad or fresh cooked veggies, apple cider and      maybe a few cookies.  :}

Homemade bread crumbs are so simple!

We are not looking for fine meal crumbs...just pulse or blend until everything is well mixed.

Just place your hamburger in a bowl and add salt and pepper, eggs and milk.

Once everything is all mixed together, scoop out onto baking sheet.
I made two batches of 12 on each sheet.

I like to make them a bit "shabby"...meaning not perfect.  I think it makes them look HOMEMADE!

Shared with my friend Yvonne at Stone Gable

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