Roof with a View

TNT Tip

As the weather warms up, so may the amount of visitors and drink consumption in your home. In case your guests (or children) forget to use a coaster and you happen to obtain of those pesky rings from condensation...fear not! To remove white rings left on furniture by water, rub the spot with petroleum jelly, let it stand 24 hours, and rub into the wood. Wipe off excess and polish as usual.

Savory Smackerel

This was a recipe that I made for a recent "Fix and Freeze." It was gobbled up by adults and children alike. It is great for freezing purposes but would also be a wonderful Sunday lunch. The leftovers (if there are any) make great meatball sandwiches. I found the recipe here and it's a nice variation from typical spaghetti.

Meatballs and Tomato Gravy

Serves 4

For tomato gravy:

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

1/2 cup red wine (I used cooking wine)

1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons crushed garlic

For meatballs:

1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs

1/3 cup evaporated milk

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Hot cooked pasta Grated

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation and freezing directions:

1. For tomato gravy, in a large straight-side skillet, combine marinara, wine, broth, oregano and garlic. Simmer, uncovered, on low to medium heat while you prepare meatballs.

2. For meatballs, in a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk and soak for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, mixing well. Wet your hands to keep mixture from sticking to them and roll into 1-1/2-inch meatballs (you should have about 30).

3. Raise heat under sauce to medium. When sauce is almost boiling, carefully drop meatballs into sauce. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove lid. Simmer for 5 minutes more.

4. Serve over hot cooked pasta or prepare to freeze.

If freezing, cool for 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to freezer container and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Cool completely in refrigerator. Once cool, remove foil and cover tightly with lid. Label and freeze.

Thawing and reheating instructions: Thaw meatballs completely in refrigerator. Transfer to a large skillet and bring to a boil. If necessary, thin sauce with beef broth. Serve with hot cooked pasta. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Mommy Marketing Moment

I ran across this article, And the mompreneurs shall lead us, and wanted to pass it along to ya'll. It's an interesting glimpse at Christian Mommy businesses in light of our country's economic crisis. If I was a momprenuer, this article would really encourage me. Go Mompreneurs! We support you. :)

Happy Saturday!