Meatballs; Not Just For Spaghetti Anymore

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What comes to mind when you think of meatballs? Spaghetti and . . . red sauce? Not me, I think of pasta and turkey meatballs soup, Asian turkey meatballs with zoodles (http://www.fastmetabolismdiet.com/zucchini-six-ways/zoodles/), morrocan lamb meatballs with apricots, and lentil meatball sliders at The Meatball Shop (http://themeatballshop.com) in NYC. Ok, Ok, I too think of a good carb-rich bowl of spaghetti loaded with sauce, veggies, meatballs, and a hearty grating of parmigiano-I'm only human.

But, let's get creative with our balls. We don't have to limit ourselves to the conventional notion that a meatballs' place is atop a mound of [fill in your favorite pasta (http://cj3b.info/Photos/Toys/Pasta/PastaShapes.jpg)].

Break free of the chains that bind and join me to make a riff on a Bánh Mì stuffed with turkey meatballs seasoned with Asian flair and of course the traditional accoutrements (baguette, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, perhaps a little smear of pâté (pork free), cilantro, and a touch of spicy sriracha mayo).

For good measure we must include the typical beef meatball on our menu, whether we will eat it with pasta remains to be seen-maybe we will have them with zoodles!!!! But everyone should have one good "traditional Italian meatball" in their arsenal, whether it's for pasta or a meatball hoagie (http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/the-origin-of-hoagies-grinders-subs-heroes-and-spuckies). I use the word traditional very loosely here, because everyone has a secret ingredient : I have a friend who puts roasted eggplant into their meat mixture to make it moist. In another lifetime I met a guy who would make garlic bread, let it cool, and crumble it into the meat. So, if you have a neat "secret ingredient", be prepared to share or else . . .

Typically, I like to do things in 3s (no connotation there, get your mind out of the gutter :D). Once I see who signs up I will plan the third "ball". It could be made of seafood (most likely shrimp) or perhaps we will go the vegetarian route (maybe lentils, or black beans). If anyone has a suggestion, feel free to email it to me.

I'd like to plan a fun, civilized, and filling event. Please be prepared to participate and learn. Also, bring a bottle of wine to share. We have had a flush of new members in the past couple weeks and I do hope some of you will be able to make it. We love meeting new people.