1/2 lb. meat loaf mix (ground beef and pork) 2 tsp. dried parsley 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 clove garlic, crushed 1/4 tsp. oregano 1/4 tsp. basil 1/4 c. milk Combine the ingredients above. Form small 1/2 inch balls. Drop into boiling salted water. Simmer for 10 minutes, remove with a straining spoon, place on paper towels to drain briefly, then refrigerate. 1 stewing chicken 1 onion, quartered 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 bay leaf 1 carrot, thickly sliced 2 stalks celery, with leaves, cut up 1/3 teaspoon oregano 4 peppercorns 2 tsp. salt 6 qts. water Simmer chicken with the reamining ingredients in the 6 quarts of water about 2 1/2 hours or until tender. Remove skin and bones, cut up and refrigerate. Strain broth and return to pot. Add 1 head escarole, torn into bite sized pieces, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, to taste. Simmer 20 minutes. Meanwhile, break spaghetti into 4 inch long pieces and cook according to package directions; drain. Add 1 1/2 cups prepared chicken and meatballs to broth. Simmer 10 minutes more. Variations: White cannelloni beans may be added; ham or proscuitto may be substituted for chicken. This freezes well and can be doubled if you have a pot large enough. |