Showing posts with label porcupine balls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label porcupine balls. Show all posts

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Blast from my past, PORCUPINE BALLS! School Lunch Series

Is my memory serving me when I say we had these for school lunches in elementary school?  I think we always had them with mashed potatoes, which is why I always still serve them with mashed potatoes.  I had forgotten about them for years, and then my sister made them a few years ago and it sparked my porcupine ball love back up and I had to redo them, MY way!!  


Isn't it funny how food can take us to a place, way back when in our minds?  Certain foods (and songs) remind me of certain times in my life,  different experiences or situations and sometimes I let the memory play out in my head and sometimes I shut it off, it wasn't good the first time, and it sure as heck wasn't going to come out any different or better the second time!  

These do use a convenience item of canned tomato soup, but I don't care who ya' are, it is just good sometimes!!  This is a great make ahead and put it in the fridge so it just needs popped in the oven type of meal!  Chefwannabe fans with families, this is a must try for you!  So pay attention and eat ALL of your lunch!!  




 Now lets get started on what we need for 6-8 big balls.


PORCUPINE BALLS
2 lbs ground beef
1 1/2 cups raw minute rice
3 tbsp dry Italian seasoning
1/4 cup dehydrated onion or 2 tbsp fresh grated onion
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cans of tomato soup

In a bowl combine ground beef, rice, onion, seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper and 1/2 can of tomato soup.  Use your hands people!  Clean em' up and get em' in there!  Form into balls.  Size is up to you.  Place in 9x13 pan and cover meatballs in remaining tomato soup.  I sprinkle a wee sprinkle of parsley on top or course salt.  Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes depending on meatball size!  Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans! 

Hope you enjoy my recreated school lunch and take the time to think about your own favorite school lunches and post them, I will try to recreate them as well!!!  Share with me one of your favorite school lunch memories!  

Your "Ord Elementary Alumni" Chefwannabe
Chris