Summer is here, and with it my summer vacation. One of the many perks of being a teacher is to have a very long summer vacation. And I am really enjoying it. No longer 5:00 am wake up calls, and no longer rush, rush, rush in the morning;-). It is gym in the mornings, lunches with friends, shopping here and there, and sunbathing;-))).

You would think that with all this free time on my hand, I would be bored and would have plenty of time cooking but between the gym, the kids and other things the day is passing by too quickly!!! And with the beautiful weather outside, I don’t really feel staying enclosed in my kitchen cooking dinner…

But dinner needs to be made….So why don’t I share with you another of my quick and delicious recipes; Bacon, Parmesan and Beef Meatballs;-))) You will just love it!!!

Ingredients for the meatballs to serve 6-8 people ( about 5-6 meatballs per person):

• 2 lbs of ground beef
• 3/4 cup of parmesan shredded
• 3/4 cup of bacon bits
• 3/4 cup of bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp of fresh oregano chopped
• 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper
• 1/8 tsp of pepper
• 1/2 tsp of garlic salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 cans of 24 oz. of tomato sauce ( I used from Barilla )

Mashed Potatoes:

• 6 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of italian cheese
• 2 cups of milk, or cream
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/4 tsp of pepper

1. Place all the ingredients listed for the meatballs except the tomato sauce in a large bowl.
2. Either  with your  hands, or a kitchen mixer mix everything.
3. With a small cake scoop, make meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs into a pan of your choice. I used the deep flexipan from Demarle. I like those pans because they are non-stick and clean so well.
5. Cook the meatballs for 10-15 minutes at 400.
   
6. Then transfer the meatballs into a large casserole pan of your choice. I used  the grande round from Demarle  that I placed onto a medium perforated sheet for support, and pour 2 cans of tomato sauces of any flavors.
7. Place the meatballs back into the oven and cook them for another 10-15 minutes.
8. Meanwhile prepare the sides of your choice. I decided to fix garlic and italian cheese mashed potatoes.
9. Peel the potatoes, and dice them. You can either place the potatoes into a large pot, cover them with water, add 1 tsp of sea salt,  and cook them until they are soft.  For an easier solution, you can place the diced potatoes into a large round mold.
10. Add the pressed garlic, then place the octogonal silpat atop the round mold, and microwave the potatoes for 15 minutes.
11. When the potatoes are soft, drain the water, mash them. Then add the cheese, the milk or the cream and whip them.
12. Spoon the potatoes on each plate and place the meatballs atop the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle some cheese, and enjoy!!! Miam…

Bon Appetit and Happy Cooking!!!