It’s around this time of year when I start thinking about what appetizers I want to make. Who’s with me???

Holiday party and get together season is coming up rapidly fast and the invites for us have already started with a Halloween party, next up will be Thanksgiving, Christmas and ending with New Years oh and I also need to throw a few birthdays in there.

Most people; when planning a party will take care of a few of the main dishes; then rely on their guests to fill in the gaps. I am curious to know if you spend as much time as I do trying to figure out something that is not only easy to make it needs to be easy to transport. But on top of all of that it HAS to taste delicious!

I am still in my wrist brace from my carpal tunnel surgery a few weeks ago, I think I should be able to take it off sometime next week; I know it’s still going to take some time to get my strength back but I haven’t stopped cooking this whole time. Though I have decided to use a few shortcut staples that I knew about but honestly can’t recall using before. Pre-chopped frozen onions and minced garlic while not my favorite has come in quite handy! Get it “handy” yeah I know not funny! I also found a garlic mashed potato that you heat up in the microwave which are surprisingly creamy, garlicky and the entire family felt they were pretty darn good!

I have actually shared this recipe in a slider form awhile back but I thought it would make a great little pick up and go kind of app.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 ½ tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground chicken
1 ounce parmesan reggiano cheese, grated
1 cup marinara sauce
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Mozzarella balls, sliced in half
Few sprigs of small leaf basil

Directions

Saute the onions, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper and oregano just until the onions are translucent. Place mixture in a large bowl and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Add chicken and parmesan plus ½ cup of the marinara sauce.

Mix well and then using a small scoop, which helps keep them all the same size; makes approximately 24 meatballs. Preheat oven to 400’F for 15 minutes. I turned my to broil for another 4 minutes. Trying to get a little color on them, even though they will be covered with a small mozzarella ball and some basil.    

Heat the remaining marinara sauce and cover and sit the meatballs in the sauce

Macros = 2 Meatball
54 Calories – 3 g Fat – 3.5 g Carbs – 4 g Protein