Any MEATballs

I heard on the news recently that the cost of beef is going up because of a decrease in cattle due to droughts and weather disasters this year.  Beef was also very limited during WWII.  Between trying to feed to troops and the allies, what was available at home was usually "variety" meats (liver, kidney, sweetbread,etc).  When beef was available you had to make the most of it! But beef was not the only meat that was scarce, larger cuts of pork were also limited, like loins and roasts.  Often people were left with meats that were best suited ground, and in some areas, you were lucky to get that!! Mothers and wives started becoming very creative with what they did with meats.  They could only use foods they could get their hands on, and could waste nothing. (Actually, it was illegal to waste in England, punishable by a fine!)

A popular dish that still holds today are meatballs.  Like many culinary artists of that era, I made a very versatile recipe for meatballs that uses less than a pound of meat, as well as whatever you might have on hand, and is very delicious, according to picky eaters (like our 15 yr old daughter, who loved it!).

Any MEATballs
Makes 12-14 1" Meatballs

Italian Sausage Any MEATballs
with Pasta and sauce

• 3/4 # Any Fresh Ground Meat
  (Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey, Sausage, or combinations of these meats)
• 1 Egg
• 2 Slices Bread, torn into small pieces or 3/4 C Ground Crackers, Matzo, Rolled Oats
• 1/3 C Liquid (Milk, Broth, Vegetable Water from cooking, etc)
  *Note: use 1/4 C of liquid if using ground poultry
• 1-2 Cloves Garlic, minced or 1/4t-1/2t Garlic Powder
• 1t Salt
• 1/4t Pepper
• 1t Italian Seasoning (Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Blended seasoning, etc)
• 2T Oil or Fat
• 1/3 C liquid (Water, Broth, Wine, Beer, etc)

1. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients and combine well.  Set aside for 5-10 minutes.
2. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.  
3. Shape meatballs into 1" balls and place in hot oil to brown, turning once.
4. Pour in 1/3 C liquid, cover, and reduce heat to medium low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Serve with Gravy, Pasta Sauce, or on a yummy sandwich!