Healthy Buffalo (turkey) Meatballs

Its been a busy month so far down here in Florida. First, I completed my master's thesis and graduated! Yay!

Then, Ohio State beat Michigan, we got new couches, I began studying for my comprehensive exams, Chris and I attended a wedding, I started my holiday baking spree (more on that later), and this weekend we will enjoy some family time. 

                                        Go Buckeyes           Wood Stork seen at our pond

Hibiscus - Love December in FL

Brutus enjoying the new couches

In addition to all this fun, I've still been having some fun in the kitchen. As I explained in my last post, I love fried foods, but try to limit my intake as much as possible. To still enjoy my favorite foods, I've looked for yummy substitutions. I recently saw a recipe for healthy buffalo meatballs online (I forget where) and decided to make my own version of it. 

Healthy Buffalo Meatballs (w/ ground turkey)

1 package of ground turkey (~20 oz)

1 cup breadcrumbs (any kind)

1 cup shredded cheese

1 egg

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

1 bottle buffalo wing sauce

1 bottle ranch or blue cheese dressing

oil

salt/pepper

celery for dipping

 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, cheese and egg together. Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs and roll in the panko breadcrumbs. In a heated skillet that can be put into the oven (I used a cast iron skillet), lightly brown the meatballs. Finish cooking them in the oven (approximately 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway). When they're done, brush the meatballs with the buffalo sauce. Serve with celery sticks and enjoy!

Nice and toasty (careful, the pan is hot!)

Dinner!

What are your favorite junk food substitutions???

Cranberry Sauce - Now Can Free!

Growing up I was never a fan of cranberry sauce (or juice). But now, as an adult, I've developed a liking for it. This year, as part of my Thanksgiving meal, I decided I'd like to have some cranberry sauce. But me being me, I wanted to make it myself.

Turns out, making cranberry sauce is super easy.

Now I know that we are firmly past Thanksgiving, but thing recipe is a great addition to any holiday meal (Christmas or Easter). It is also a surprising ingredient in other dishes (more on that later).

Orange Cranberry Sauce:
1 12oz bag of whole cranberries (found in the produce section near the berries at my grocery store), washed and picked over
1 small orange or two tangerines
1 cup sugar
1 cup water



Directions: Combine water and sugar over high heat in a medium saucepan. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. When the liquid boils, add the cranberries and diced orange (add some rind if you want an extra orange kick), and return to a boil. Simmer for ~10 minutes. The cranberries will pop and break down as it cooks and thickens. Cool and serve, makes about 2 cups.

If you're like me and enjoy cranberry sauce, but not in huge amounts, make this party pleaser: Cocktail Meatballs

Make up your favorite meatball (or buy them, I won't judge), cook them up, and place the meatballs into a crock pot or saucepan (on low) with 1 cup of the cranberry sauce and 1 cup of bbq sauce. Heat through and serve.

Even cranberry haters will love this dish!

Other assorted Thanksgiving pictures: 

Our HUGE 19lb turkey

Our Thanksgiving Dinner: for 2