Hi Virginia,

Thanks for your kinds words....kitty is doping fine and curled up on a chair in the den...just gave him his 3 pills which he is so good at taking. Sweet little punkin!! I think he is on the road to recovery!!!

OK, here's the recipe, it is a keeper for sure. So very tasty and good on pasta...people will be asaking you for the recipe. We have to thank sweet Mama Pacetti, may she be in Meatball Heaven as we speak!! Great cook that she was...and a sharing one at that!

Mama Pacetti's Spaghetti with Meatballs and Sausage

This is an authentic recipe from the old countryside. Delicious!!!!

Meatballs:
1 lb. ground sirloin
1 onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. fresh chopped parsley
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. fine dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 t. salt
1/2 t. black pepper
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. oregano
2 T. olive oil

Mix ground sirloin, onion, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, salt, pepper and herbs. You can add a little water if too dry. Shape into meatballs and brown in olive oil before adding to sauce.

For Meat Sauce:

Brown the sirloin, drain and set aside. Continue making the sauce as directed below and instead of adding meatballs, add the browned meat and stir to blend well.
Sauce:
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 red bell peppers, washed, cored and chopped
3 T. olive oil
1-2 pork chops or pork rib
1 lb. mild Italian Sausage cut into 2" pieces
2 28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes with puree
1 T. fresh basil or 1 t. dried
1/4 c. fresh chopped parsley
1/2 t. crumbled thyme
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
2 t. sugar
1/4 t. crushed dried red pepper
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1/4 t. oregano
1/4 t. marjoram
1/4 t. rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 t. Italian seasoning
12 oz. cooked spaghetti
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Brown the sausage and set aside. Saute onions, pork chops and garlic in large pot. Add tomatoes, paste and sauce and bring to a boil. Add next 13 ingredients, the browned meatballs, the browned sausage and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stir occasionally.