Bon Appétit: Adult Spaghetti-O's

I never ate Spaghetti-O's as a child.  Ever.  I certainly had my share of Ragu, but never the canned pasta.  When I saw this recipe pop up in my news feed, I was frankly a little fascinated.  A completely homemade take on a completely processed product.  If I was going to try it, now was the time.  It was actually pretty good, although the sauce was a little watery.  The ring-shaped pasta is definitely a plus.  A dish for when you're feeling nostalgic.

Adult Spaghetti-O's
From Bon Appétit magazine, October 2016

2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
¼ cup panko
1 tablespoon coarsely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
Kosher salt
1 large egg, beaten to blend
5 tablespoons heavy cream
1 pound ground beef chuck (20% fat)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ medium onion, finely chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely grated
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 large sprigs basil
12 ounces anelletti, ditalini, or other short tubular pasta

Purée tomatoes in a food processor until mostly smooth; there should still be some dime-sized pieces remaining. Set aside.

Whisk panko, cheese, oregano, garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1½ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in egg and cream. Add beef and mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork (if packed too firmly, meatballs will be dense). Form into 1-inch diameter balls (you should have about 24); transfer to a plate.

Heat oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to another plate.

Cook onion and garlic in same skillet, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and begins to soften, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add tomato paste and cook until brick red, about 1 minute. Add paprika and a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add sugar, basil, and reserved tomato purée. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce is slightly reduced and flavors have melded, about 20 minutes. Add meatballs and any accumulated juices; continue to
cook until meatballs are cooked through, 5 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and return to pasta pot.

Pour sauce and meatballs over pasta and stir to combine. Transfer to a platter and top with cheese.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

A Southern Soul: Stuffed Celery

I remember eating stuffed celery all the time when I was a kid.  Most of the time it was just plain celery sticks with some cream cheese spread down the middle.  Sometimes it was peanut butter.  I certainly never had anything quite this fancy.  But it's cool and refreshing, and it makes a pretty tasty snack that you don't feel too terrible about eating.

Stuffed Celery
From A Southern Soul blog

4 to 5 stalks celery, strings removed if desired
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup cooked bacon, chopped
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco)

Cut celery stalks in half and set aside. Using a hand held mixer, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Add in remaining ingredients. Blend until all ingredients are combined.

Using a small spoon, fill the celery "boat" with cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with additional chives and bacon, if desired. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 to 6 servings