PASTA

Simple Tomato sauce

2 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp minced garlic

1 TBSP fresh basil

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

- Add olive oil along with garlic & saute- about 30 seconds (do not let it turn brown, it will get a bitter taste) Add tomato's, bring to a boil, simmer 10 minutes, stir in basil, pinch salt & pepper, add meatballs, stir occasionally, cook for about 5 more minutes or until meatballs are warmed through. this will be enough sauce for 1 lb pasta

-Side note-My kids would probably have preferred that I blend the can of tomatoes, for more of a sauce consistency.

Meatballs

2 slices white bread, no crusts, torn into bits

1/2 C buttermilk

1 lb ground meat

1/4 C grated parm cheese

2 TBSP parsley

1 large egg yolk

1 small garlic clove minced

3/4 tsp salt

ground pepper

-about 1/4 cup of veggie oil for frying

*Combine bread and buttermilk in small bowl, mashing until a paste. Mix all meatball ingredients including bread mixture & pepper to taste in a bowl. Lightly form 3 TBSP into meatballs. Will make approximately 14, can be refrigerated or cooked immediately. To brown, cook in veggie oil, turning to brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.

-Side note-I made a double batch, using a hot & spicy sausage & a regular sausage. They were quite spicy, but added a great flavor to the spaghetti sauce. Probably won't use hot sausage again, because was too hot for the kids