September 7, 2012 - Zucchini Noodles and Baked Meatballs

Both of tonight's recipes were quick and small so we decided to combine them into a dinner. And both of them were really good! We just added some Italian seasoning on top of the meatballs along with some sugar free spaghetti sauce and it tasted great! We will definitely make this one again! If two of you tackle this dinner, it will be done in probably 30 minutes. Who doesn't like a quick and delicious dinner!? Oh, and we split a banana to have a fruit along with it. 

Note: The spaghetti sauce is not included in the carb counts so be sure to take that into a count. 

BAKED MEATBALLS 

1 pound ground beef 
1 pound bulk Italian sausage 
2 teaspoons dry minced onion 
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 2 ounces (I used the kind in a can) 
2 eggs 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl using your fingers. Mix until the meat no long feels slimy from the eggs. Shape in golf ball size meatballs and place on a large baking sheet with sides. Bake at 375º for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are done all the way through. Rinse in a colander to remove any egg and cheese that has leaked out.

Makes about 20-30 meatballs 
Can be frozen

Per meatball: 92 Calories; 7g Fat; 6g Protein; trace Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 

ZUCCHINI "NOODLES"

Trim the ends off the zucchini. Using the wide julienne blade of a mandolin, shred the zucchini lengthwise into noodle-like strips. You could do this with a very sharp knife by cutting the zucchini lengthwise into very thin slabs, then cut each slab into thin strips. Cut strips to desired length. Sauté zucchini in butter in a non-stick skillet until slightly limp, but not mushy. Season as desired with salt and pepper, etc. I used some Spicy Seasoning Salt and pepper. Serve as a side dish or top with tomato or other kind of sauce. They have a texture similar to thick egg noodles. 

Carb count will depend on serving size, but estimate:

Per Serving: 39 Calories; 3g Fat; 1g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber

( I think we are getting better at this food photography thing!) 

HAPPY EATING!!!