Thursday, July 31, 2008

Sausage Meatball Subs


When I was a teenager, I liked going to Subway occasionally to get a meatball sandwich. But sometime between then and now, I realized that the Subway sandwiches I thought were okay, really weren't that tasty.

Perhaps my palette became more refined...maybe their food got worse? I'd like to think that it's the former and not the latter.

So, I always figure that if you have a very specific taste memory in mind, you need to go recipe hunting. I was lucky enough not to have to look too far. I found this recipe on my favorite site for recipes, Allrecipes.

I recommend finding a sharp provolone for topping these...mozzarella doesn't seem to be strong enough to taste compared to the meatballs. Also, the bread is a very important factor. You'll need to find one that crusty enough to stand up to being gnawed on, but tasty enough to bring something to the party. Fresh baked is a MUST.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Roll
  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
  • 6 hoagie buns (try a good baguette!)
  • 6 tablespoons grated mozzarella cheese (I recommend sharp/aged provolone instead)

DIRECTIONS

  1. In bowl, combine sausage, oatmeal, eggs and Parmesan cheese. Shape into 1 inch balls. In skillet over medium heat, cook meatballs until browned and cooked through. Reduce heat to low. Add spaghetti sauce and cook until sauce is hot. Spoon meatballs and sauce into buns and top with mozzarella cheese.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Meme to Revive the Nonblogger

Michelle over at The Accidental Scientist has been kind enough to keep me in mind. Even though I haven't blogged much this year (and very little of my blogging has been about food), Michelle reminds me of the connections I first made when I started blogging a few years ago.

This meme is a getting-to-know-you type, so here goes, for anyone who's interested in reading!

1. Last movie I saw in the theater?
Wall-E. It was different than I had expected, but enjoyable over all. The most notable thing about this movie was that something in it touched my son and made him sad. As we were walking out of the theater, up the little ramp, he started to cry. He wouldn't (or couldn't) explain it to me, but he did acknowledge that it was the movie. It was the first movie that's ever made him cry.

2. What book are you reading?
Well, last night I just finished reading Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon. It's a book in a series and the whole series is wonderful. I'm also in the process of reading How Full is Your Bucket and Digital Fortress.

3. Favorite board game?
Hmmm. I like a few that I've tried in the last year, thanks to my sister. Circus Flohcati is fun. I also like Incan Gold.

4. Favorite magazine?
Wow. I don't think I could pick just one. I love a variety of food magazines, but my favorite probably changes...depending on who's got the most mouthwatering pics. Right after food magazines, my favorite is probably GQ. That's because I'm single, ladies. And if you still don't understand, go flip through a copy next time you're at the store. It's wonderful.

5. Favorite smells?
I agree with Michelle on one of my favorites...bread! Other favorites include sweet peas (flowers), citrus and the ocean air.

6. Favorite sounds?
My son's breath while he sleeps. Nothing much compares to that one.

7. Worst feeling in the world?
Not being able to help my son when he's gotten hurt.

8. First thing you think of when you wake?
What time is it?! Hurry, get up, close the shades and turn on the fan to bring in as much cool air as possible before the sun comes up and brings the heat!

9. Favorite fast food place?
Easy. In-N-Out.

10. Future child's name?
Not applicable. I stopped having kids when I reached perfection. His name is Evan. :)

11. Finish this statement: If I had a lot of money...
I would travel the world in style and then settle down to try my hand at a neighborhood restaurant. My goal would be to win an award for best local cheap eats.

12. Do you drive fast?
Gosh, I'm not sure. My current car doesn't really have the ability to drive fast! I'll let you know when I get a better car!

13. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
Nope. That bed is mine, all mine. If only it weren't a twin!

14. Storms, cool or scary?
Cool. Love rain, thunder and lightning. As long as I'm not out in it!

15. What was your first car?
A 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. I can remember one time when I went to open the little triangle window on the driver's side door and it fell out! Clank-clank-clank! on the street. I was so embarrassed (good thing it was late at night), but when I went back to get it, it hadn't even chipped. I got some metal to glass glue and fixed it.

16. Favorite drink?
Ok, I realize now that I'm terrible at picking out favorites. Especially when it deals with food. It all depends on the mood. I like a nice beer on a hot summer day. A glass of wine with a good meal. I need my one cup of coffee each morning (for ritual more than anything else). I love green tea in winter. Bloody mary's rock, too!

17. Finish this statement - "If I had time, I would.."
Finish school.

18. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?
Yes, that's the best part! I like the stems and stalks.

19. If you could dye your hair any other color, what would it be?
When I was younger I dyed my hair many different colors (what a blast), and it gave me the knowledge that, ultimately, I like my own hair color was so much better than what comes out of a bottle.

20. Name all the different cities in which you have lived.
Naples, Italy; San Francisco, CA; Jacksonville, FL; El Toro, CA; Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Costa Mesa, CA; Tustin, CA; Scottsdale, AZ; Newport Beach, CA; Burbank, CA; Superior, CO (by the way, it was so distinctly NOT superior); Louisville, CO

21. Favorite sport to watch?
Basketball. Then tennis.

22. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you.
She has done one of the harder things that a friend needs to do, she keeps in touch and keeps reminding me of the folks and foods that are out there.

23. What's under your bed?
Moving boxes. Apparently, according to #20, I better be prepared to move, because you never know when I'll do it again!

24. Would you like to be born as yourself again?
I feel lucky in my life, but I would want to try a new adventure.

25. Morning person or night owl?
At this point in my life I'm probably not "better" at either one. I think that I enjoy my mornings now more than I have in the past, though.

26. Over easy or sunny side up?
The whites must be cooked all the way. Although I'd usually rather skip the eggs altogether.

27. Favorite place to relax?
Home. Although I'd rather change this one to "my vacation home in Tuscany!"

28. Favorite ice cream flavor?
I am not sure that I have one! But I do really like when you get mochi ice cream at sushi restaurants.

29. Of all the people you've tagged, who is most likely to respond first?
I've been out of blogging so long, I can't think of who I can tag!!

Because I know that she still blogs occasionally, I'll reach out to my sister Steph to do this meme. She loves food with the same kind of crazed enthusiasm as me. And I always know that I can trust her taste. She is always off on some kind of adventure, trying something new.

BTW, Steph, you should tag 4-5 bloggers (if you can!)...