Meatballs

Meatballs are great to make ahead of time, freeze, and then defrost for a fast dinner.  Easy and delicious, possibly even romantic!

So today's song isn't a jazz song, but is "Bella Notte" from Disney's Lady and the Tramp.  It is the song playing when Lady and Tramp are eating spaghetti and meatballs behind the restaurant.

MEATBALLS

1 cup chopped onions

1 cup bread crumbs

½ cup oatmeal

1 egg

2 pounds ground round

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

¼ teaspoon granulated garlic

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon dried hot pepper flakes

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1. In food processor put chopped onions, bread crumbs, oatmeal and egg.  Pulse to process and combine.
2. Put ground round, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, garlic, cayenne pepper, hot pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. 
3. Pour onion mixture over meat and spices in the large bowl.  Using your hands, mix to get a consistent mixture.
4. Shape into 25 meatballs.
5. Place meatballs in a large glass baking dish or two small ones.  Sides of meatballs can touch slightly.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until done.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.