Magic Meatballs (continued)
by Missy Chase Lapine
Brown-in-pan method:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large (10 inch or 12 inch) nonstick skillet over moderately high heat, until hot but not smoking. Add meatballs in four batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Allow to brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally with the help of 2 teaspoons. Reduce heat to low and cook through for another 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and add more oil as needed for the next batch. Serve with toothpicks as “ cocktail” meatballs, dropped in almost any soup, or smothered in pasta sauce over spaghetti.
Oven-baked method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a large cookie sheet with 2 tablespoons of oil, gently place meatballs on sheet, and bake for 10 minutes. Using a spatula to loosen, turn the meatballs over to brown on the other side, then return to oven for another 10 minutes. Serve with toothpicks as “ cocktail” meatballs, dropped in almost any soup, or smothered in pasta sauce over spaghetti.
Sneaky Chef Make-Ahead Recipe #3: Green Puree
1 cup sweet green peas, frozen
2 cups raw baby spinach leaves (or 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, or frozen chopped collard greens)
2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
2 to 3 tablespoons water
If using raw spinach, thoroughly wash it, even if the package says “prewashed.” Using a vegetable steamer, steam broccoli in 2 inches of water in a tightly covered pot for about 10 minutes until very tender. Add the frozen peas and raw or frozen spinach (or collards) to the steamer basket for the last five minutes of steaming.
