Valentine Spaghetti and Meatballs

So Valentine's Day is on Monday this year.  If you're a grown up with a job and maybe even some kids, its likely you won't be celebrating with a full shebang on a Monday night.  Or maybe you're die hard about
Valentine's Day and you are...  to each their own.  In case you're staying in, but still would like to do something to commemorate the occasion, here's an easy, Monday night dinner option with a little Valentine's twist for you.

In whatever ratio you like, blend together some ground beef and some ground sausage.  I use about a 3:1 ratio, myself.  Add an egg and some grated Parmesan cheese.

   Add some salt and pepper

some basil

and oregano

some thyme

and some marjoram

and lastly, some fine bread crumbs.

Use your hands to mix this up.  Its messy, but necessary.  A spoon or spatula just doesn't do the job as well as your own God given utensils.  Oh, but wash your hands first.  You knew that.

I hate this feeling.  Gross.

Start by rolling your meatballs as normal.  About a quarter size in diameter.  Then flatten them slightly, pinch one end into a pointish shape, and use your finger to create a divot in the top to make...

a whole bunch of these!  Place them on a large baking sheet with sidewalls to catch the grease.  Throw them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 18 to 20 minutes.  Combine these babies with your favorite spaghetti sauce and serve over spaghetti noodles with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 

I made this for my kids and they gobbled it up!  They loved seeing the little heart shaped meatballs in their dinner.  And I loved seeing the smiles on their spaghetti covered faces.

Meatball Recipe
1 1/2 lbs ground beef and ground sausage combination
1 egg
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp dried basil
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 dried marjoram
1/2 c finely ground bread crumbs

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients thoroughly and shape into meatballs about a quarter size in diameter.  Place on a large baking sheet, in a single layer, and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.