{"id":875,"date":"2008-04-27T17:12:20","date_gmt":"2008-04-27T21:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/catchingfireflies.com\/blog\/?p=875"},"modified":"2008-04-27T17:12:20","modified_gmt":"2008-04-27T21:12:20","slug":"ritas-sauce-and","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.catchingfirefliesgifts.com\/blog\/2008\/04\/ritas-sauce-and\/","title":{"rendered":"rita’s sauce and meatballs"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Meatballs1\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

With Mother’s day coming up, I thought it’d be nice to share some famous family recipes that have been passed down through the generations.  <\/p>\n

I overheard Dena, our Rochester manager<\/a> raving about Sandy’s<\/a> meatball recipe so I asked if I could share this gem with the rest of you.  She happily obliged, so now you too can have the best meatballs & spaghetti on the block.\"Meatballs_2\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

This authentic recipe that originates from the Calabria region of Italy has been in the Germano family for many years. Sandy learned how to make it the true Italian way… a pinch of this, a swirl of that, a few shakes here and there<\/em> from her mother-in-law, Rita Hidy; But over the past 22 years, she has shared it in standard form.<\/p>\n

It is a tradition in their family to enjoy this wonderful meal on Sundays buy any day is fine!<\/p>\n

The Sauce<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

2  28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes<\/p>\n

1  15 oz can of tomato paste (Contadina with Italian herbs preferred)<\/p>\n

2  tbl of crushed dry basil<\/p>\n

3  tbl of olive oil<\/p>\n

Place the olive oil in pan, add basil and warm for 1 minute then add all tomatoes.  Simmer for 1&1\/2 hours, stirring occasionally.<\/p>\n

The Meatballs<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

1 lb  ground pork (unseasoned)<\/p>\n

1 egg<\/p>\n

3\/4 cup  Italian bread crumbs (fresh are the best, but Progresso are okay)<\/p>\n

3 tsp  salt<\/p>\n

3 tsp  black pepper<\/p>\n

3 tsp  crushed fresh garlic<\/p>\n

5 tbl  parmesan cheese<\/p>\n

Mix all the ingredients with your hands.  If the mix seems a little dry, add a 1-2 tbl of water.  Form into meatballs approx 1 1\/2 inches in diameter and drop into the simmering sauce.  The meatballs cook in the sauce in 45-60 minutes depending on size.<\/p>\n

Enjoy!<\/p>\n

If you have a favorite family recipe you’re willing to share, we’d love to spread the word.  Just send us a photo of the dish and\/or a picture of you & your mom.  You can email them to <\/span><\/strong>recipes@catchingfireflies.com<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or send them to catching fireflies 3117 W 12 Mile Berkley, MI 48072.  We will return all photos.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n