Spaghetti and Meatballs

To the mother of a toddler spaghetti and meatballs sounds like an absolute mess!  I managed to come up with a No Daddy Dinner that takes out the work and the mess and adds tons of fun!

Again I failed in the measurement and picture taking department but just shoot me a question if you need help! 

Meatballs

- ground beef

- 1c panko bread cumbs

- 1/2c parmesan cheese

- egg

- fresh parsley (I just happened to have this but it made them nice and fresh)

Mix everything together and then form your meatballs.  Cover the bottom of your skillet with a thin layer of olive oil and heat on med-high. Brown meatballs on all sides and then set aside.  Remember they aren't completely cooked yet!  We will cook them the rest of the way in the sauce.

Sauce - use your own or store bought recipe if you like

- 1 onion chopped

- 2 cloves chopped garlic

- 2 big cans of tomato sauce

- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5oz I think)

- bay leaf

- red wine

I sauté the onion in a little olive oil until soft.  Then add the garlic and sauté a minute more. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and heat through.  Add a splash of red wine and the bay leaf.  My grandmother's motto is, "When in doubt, add a bay leaf."  Then add the meatballs and let simmer for 20 min until the flavors meld and the meatballs are cooked all the way through.

Now here is the SUPER fun part! Ask your neighbors to join and eat outside!  One neighbor made the pasta, another did broccoli, and one brought cake with PINK icing! It all made a huge mess but it was no big deal because after dinner we just hosed everything down.. KIDS INCLUDED!

The kids had a blast and so did we!  I see a lot more outdoor dinners for our street!

Here's to great friends and No Daddy Dinners!

Burgers

So most kids will eat a regular burger. Every now and then I even crave a big burger but I wanted to work on a burger that would be a little lighter.  Salmon burgers.  No need to tell your kids there is anything different.  Just tell them it's a burger and see what happens!

Here are the ingredients I used. As some of you know I am terrible about measuring and doing things by the book.  I make it up as I go along so if you have any questions just let me know!  Ingredients...

I took the salmon and chopped is as finely as my patience would allow.  Then I added about a cup of panko bread crumbs, a 1/2 cup of feta, a couple mini red and yellow peppers chopped finely and an egg (not pictured). You want the consistency of regular burgers. Spray your nonstick skillet and turn your temp to med-high.  Sear your burgers in the pan for about 4min per side or until cooked through.  They will feel firm in the center.

While my burgers were cooking I made a yummy sauce for them.  I combined shredded cucumber, greek yogurt, a dash of lemon juice, garlic & pepper in a bowl.  Done!

Once your burgers are done you are free to make them how you like!  I made mine with tomato, avocado, and my sauce on sandwich thins. Oh yeah, I found some spinach in my fridge I threw on mine too!  My kiddo got half a burger, cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado.  Be free with your burger building and enjoy!

Here's to No Daddy Dinners!