Meatballs (Cheapballs)

These are some pretty easy meatballs, inspired by Bittman, and I made both meat and veggie versions. Measurements are approximate.

Whatcha need...

Parmesan/Romano Cheese - 1/2 cup

Bread crumbs (or chopped bread) - 1/2 cup

Parsley, chopped fine - 1/2 cup

Egg - 1

Halloumi cheese - 3/4 cup

Chives (or scallions) - 1/4 cup

Ground Pepper - 1 tsp

Oil for frying

Meat version

Ground Meat (I used Turkey) - 3/4 lb

Veggie version

Hummus - 2 tbs

Baba Ghannoush - 2 tbsp

Now what?

Chop fine all of first set of ingredients and mix well in a bowl. If you are making both veggie and meat, then mix some of mixture with the meat and some with the hummus and baba. Form into small balls and fry in oil until well-browned. You can throw them in a 350 oven if you have too many for just one batch.

Eat with cous cous, salad, polenta, or other vehicle. They would also be good in a wrap or pita.

Pretty Good 'Fall' Soup

I got the idea for this from a American Institute for Cancer Research email. It is pretty straightforward and keeps well. Add a little less of the herbs if dry, a little more if fresh.

What you need

Rice (wild, brown, white in order of tastiness) 1/2 cup

Stock or broth (Chicken, vegetable, and mushroom all worked) 2 Qts

Leeks - 3

Garlic - 2 cloves

Onion - 1 small

Celery - 3 stalks

Potatoes - 2 medium sized

Carrots - 2-3 medium

Rosemary - 1 tbs

Dill - 1/2 tbs

Sage - 1/2 tbs

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil - 1 tbs

Start Cookin'

Chop all vegetables into soup sized pieces. Start sauteing all vegetables in oil in a pot that will hold everything. Cook for a few minutes and then add broth. Bring to a boil and then add rice. Turn to simmer. Stir every few minutes and when rice is done, add all spices, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 more minutes. Enjoy with fresh bread and salad.