On top of Spaghetti...

Did you ever sing the song On Top of Spaghetti when you were a child? Andy had never heard this famous tune, so I entertained him as I was cooking. I could only remember the first 2 lines, but technology is truly amazing...I googled it...and low and behold found the lyrics here http://bussongs.com/songs/on_top_of_spaghetti.php. (Just in case you're sentimental enough to need a refresher!) Anyway, we were on this subject during dinner tonight because I've begun making meatballs with spaghetti after 22 1/2 years of marriage. Andy loves them! They're certainly more of a pain to make than my usual spaghetti with meat sauce, but hey, it's worth it to make such a crowd-pleaser.

Spaghetti with Meatballs

1/4 c vegetable oil

1/2 c chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

3 1/2 c (28 oz can) tomato puree

1 c water

2/3 c (6 oz can) tomato paste

1 t salt

1 t italian seasoning

1 lb spaghetti

Meatballs:

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1/3 c bread crumbs

1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1 1/2 t garlic powder

1/4 t pepper

1/2 t salt

Combine meatball ingredients and roll into approx. 24 meatballs. Brown in a large skillet over med/high heat. Pour off excess fat. Add onion and garlic; saute 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomato puree, water, tomato paste, salt, and italian seasoning; simmer 20-25 minutes. Serve over prepared spaghetti.

A little short on time? My option number 2 is equally as delicious...just omit the first 8 ingredients and substitute with this:

As I said earlier, Andy really likes this dish! He wants me to let you know that he didn't actually eat everything on the plate...but it was close!