My First Love....

I love trying new things, especially when it comes to cooking. One of my most favorite things in the whole world is reading cookbooks from cover to cover. I consider cookbooks my first true love! Not long ago I discovered this rare little gem. Ree Drummond depicts her life on an Oklahoma ranch in the wonderful book "The Pioneer Woman Cooks". From the moment I received my copy in the mail I read every page. The artistry in this book goes far beyond the recipes. With each turn of the page you fall deeper and deeper into Ree's life and grow to adore her. The photographs are breathe taking and reminds me of exactly why I love being from Oklahoma. The love she feels for her "Marlboro Man" is also quite contagious. Ree also makes you feel that it is OK to get fed up at motherhood and the simple mundane task of every day life. I have tried several of her recipes and would love to share my results with all of you. I hope you have the chance to experience this unique opportunity. Get her book and curl up with a pen and paper and revamp your grocery list, I know I sure did and so very glad. My first recipe that I am going to share with you is her wonderful Comfort Meatballs. They are so amazing and so simple to make I am going to make them for my sister's Mommy shower next month and relish in the Oooos and Ahhhhs!


COMFORT MEATBALLS

MEATBALLS

1 1/2 pound grounds beef
3/4 cup of quick oats
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons very finely minced onions
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Plenty of ground black pepper

4 Tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup flour

SAUCE

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons of sugar
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 to 6 tablespoons minced onion
Dash of Tabasco


1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef and oats.
2. Pour in the milk, then add the diced onion and salt.
3. Add the black pepper, then stir to combine.
4. Roll the mixture into the tablespoon-size balls and
refrigerate them for 30-45 minutes to firm.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the canola oil
in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Dredge the meatballs in the flour.
7. Brown the meatballs in the batches until light brown.
8. As they brown, place them into a rectangular baking dish.
9. Stir together the sauce ingredients and drizzle the sauce
evenly on the meatballs.
10. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.


I absolutely love these and will make them over and over again.