52 Weeks Of Sunday Dinner - Week 6

Meatballs, in my opinion, may be one of the most seriously underestimated foods ever.  While what makes up the meatball is generally the same from recipe to recipe, the sauce can vary in so many different ways that you could eat them every night for a month and still not have the same meal!  These meatballs have become a special treat in our household and are perfect with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, and a little Creamsicle Salad:

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

3 eggs
1 medium onion, chopped
1 ½ cups dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
2 pounds ground beef or turkey
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sauce:

3 ½ cups tomato juice
1 cup packed brown sugar
10 gingersnaps, finely crushed
¼ cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon onion salt

In a bowl, combine eggs, onion, bread crumbs, and salt.  Crumble beef over mixtures and mix well.  Shape into 1 ½-inch balls.  In a large skillet, brown meatballs in batches of oil.  Transfer to a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.

In a saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until cookie crumbs are dissolved.  Pour over meatballs.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.  Yield: 8 servings.

Sunday Dinner Mashed Potatoes

5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until very tender; drain well.

In a large mixing bowl, mash potatoes.  Add sour cream, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, onion salt, and pepper; beat until fluffy.  Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish.  Dot with remaining butter.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.  Yield: 8 servings.

Creamsicle Salad

3 ounces orange gelatin
3 ounces vanilla pudding (NOT instant)
3 ounces tapioca pudding (NOT instant)
8 ounces Cool Whip
2 cans mandarin oranges, drained
3 cups water

Bring water to a boil and add gelatin and puddings.  Bring mixture to a rolling boil.  Remove from heat and allow to cool thoroughly. Add whipped topping and oranges and stir.  Chill thoroughly