The holidays are over, the kids are back in school and you’re back to performing magic in the
kitchen with what’s left in the pantry. Such is the life of a creative home cook.
To make mealtime easier during this first full week of 2009, consider the following simple yet tasty Italian favorites. Both can be prepared in less than an hour and the best part–you don’t have to break the bank purchasing the ingredients.
EASY STUFFED MEATBALLS
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 small onion, chopped and sauteed until soft
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into squares
3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
Your favorite Marinara sauce
Your favorite pasta
Directions:
Mix the first 8 ingredients in bowl. If too dry, add a little more milk or water, if too moist, add more bread crumbs.
Form meatballs around the pieces of cheese.
Brown meatballs in oil on all sides. Drain grease.
Carefully drop meatballs into simmering marinara sauce. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes depending on size of the meatball.
Serve on hot cooked pasta.
CLASSIC CHICKEN MARSALA
Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour for coating
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded 1/4 inch thick
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/4 dry white wine
Chopped fresh flat leaf parsley or basil
Directions:
In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper and dried basil. Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture.
Heat large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and oil. Place chicken in the pan, and lightly brown on medium heat on both sides.
Remove chicken from pan to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Add additional butter and mushrooms to skillet. Cook for a few minutes. Season mushrooms with garlic salt. Pour in both wines and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Place chicken back in skillet and simmer for a few minutes until chicken is fully cooked and fully cooked and sauce reduces a bit. Add chopped parsley or basil.
Serve chicken, mushrooms, and sauce over hot cooked pasta or rice.
Related Articles:
Unique Italian Dishes-Pine Nuts and Pizza
Save Money—Make Your Own Pizza
Lisa vs. Valorie’s Spaghetti Sauce