No...this isn't about March Madness or bowling...get your mind out of the gutter! I'm talking about those delicious, quick and easy solutions that can fit into any food situation. I had two friends this week ask me for different types of balls that can be made ahead of time. So being the good friend I am, I will oblige both of them and hold a Battle of the Balls: Meatballs vs Sausage balls!
First up, my friend Kelly said that it is marching band season...and she is a band Mom! This means she will be working most of the day and then heading to hours of band practice. She needs something super quick and easy that is basically a grab and go meal. Her recipe is one of my go-to favorites--Turkey Meatballs.
My other friend, Marti, needs some balls for a party that she is hosting on Sunday. Her dilemma is that she will be out of town most of the weekend and needs to prepare everything in advance. So, she challenged me to find a great Sausage Ball recipe! I need to fit into a wedding dress in a few months so I am going to make these balls with Turkey Sausage instead of the traditional Pork Sausage ingredient.
It also only makes sense that I combine this week's posts with a little Sunday Funday Pasta Sauce...this sauce is also known as the sauce that won over my husband's heart, and his parent's hearts, on our third date...but that is a story for another day!
Here is a little preview of each recipe! Check back throughout the week to see how the battle turns out!
Sunday Funday Pasta Sauce:
Sure to win your way into any Italian's heart! I've been making pasta sauce since middle school spring break. In those days I would literally put the entire kitchen sink in my sauce…sausage, olives, chicken…left overs…Over the years I have learned that less is more. However, one thing that has never changed is that I have always make my sauce from scratch. Now, however, my recipe has the added touch that I am over 21 and can purchase a beautiful Syrah to add a flavor punch…and make the process that much more enjoyable! I love a scratch made sauce because you can control the flavors and salt much more than a pre-made…but I realize it is NOT for everyone. So, if you are one of those people no problem! I'll let you know when to start paying attention to the recipe to make that pre-made sauce your own!
Kelly's Meatballs:
Whether you need a morning grab and go, some extra protein for an afternoon pick me up, or a dinner that takes just 15 mins to bake...meatballs have you covered! I love meatballs because you can make the mixture ahead of time, plop a few on a baking sheet, and toss them in the oven for a super quick and fresh home cooked meal! You can also cook a batch ahead of time and divide them for the week for a quick grab and go meal or freeze them for a pasta dinner down the road. These puppies taste great hot or cold and I've made a batch last an entire week utilizing every iteration of hot, cold, fresh, leftover, solo, mixed, pasta, salad, pasta-salad, dipped, not dipped....I could go on...this was back during the single days so it may not stretch quite that far these days but… remind me to tell you about the quick and easy hot kale salad I used to make to pair with these delicious balls.
Marti's Sausage Balls:
If you aren't from the South, then you may not have heard of the Meatball's cousin… Sausage balls. These are equally great and typically only take about 3-4 ingredients to make so they are fabulous for a quick weeknight meal. They are the hit of any party and, like it's cousin, Sausage Balls can be made in advance and reheated to crisp them up or grabbed on the go.
Both of these options pair nicely with my Saucy Minx Dipping Sauce for a quick and easy appetizer or snack! Alright--Here We Go--The Battle of the Balls Begins!