Rainy Day Supper

It's been awhile since I posted any recipes but here lately I've been trying out so many new things that I want to share! If you're like me, on rainy fall days I just like to be lazy, sit in front of the TV, have an easy supper and just relax.  That's exactly what I did today and this is what dinner also reflected.  Today we had PotLuck Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, and Fried Green Tomatoes.  Let me just say it was absolutely delicious (well, Doug tells me the tomatoes were good I've never really liked them). I got the idea for the meatballs from The Pioneer Woman but I've tweeked them to fit my family.
PotLuck Meatballs: (These are AMAZING)
2lbs hamburger
1 cup breadcrumbs (I used unseasoned but you can use seasoned if you want a stronger flavor)
2 Tbsp. minced garlic (I use the kind in the jar, just as good but so much easier!)
2 Eggs
1/4 cup minced parsley (I used dried but you can substitute fresh if you want)
A dash of red pepper flakes
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Butter
Sauce:
1 can beef consommé
1 can beef broth
2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
1 can of tomato paste (I used the Italian herb infused)
2 Tbsp flour
Step 1: First you made the meatballs by mixing the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs, red pepper flakes, and some salt and pepper together.  After it is mixed, roll them into balls (about 1 inch).  Now you need to get your oil and butter hot so put them in a saucepan and when they start to sizzle, place your meatballs in to brown on all sides (you'll probably need to do them in batches).  Now, DON'T throw away your grease yet!
Step 2: To the oil, add your beef consumme, beef broth, tomato paste, and spicy brown mustard and let that come to a boil.  If the sauce is too thin then take some beef broth and add some flour to make a roux and add that to your mix.  Once everything is combined, place the meatballs back in the pan and stir gently to make sure the meatballs are covered.  Cook on low heat for about 40-45 minutes or until the meat is done. 
That's it! How easy is that? Eat them with some mashed potatoes (I used Bob Evans premade cause hey, it's my lazy day don't judge! :)
Now, if you're one of those people who love fried green tomatoes, then you'll want this recipe. 
Fried Green Tomatoes:
3 Green Tomatoes sliced (relatively thin)
Flour
Red Pepper Flakes (just a dash)
Salt and Pepper
Sugar
Milk
Jiffy instant cornmeal
Oil
Step 1: Slice your tomatoes and get everything ready first off.  Put about a cup of flour on a paper plate (you'll probably need to add more later but it's a start), mix the red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, and sugar with the flour.  Put some milk in a bowl (about a cup) and on another paper plate some Jiffy brand cornmeal.
Step 2: Put about an inch of oil in a skillet and heat until sizzling (I dropped a little flour in and when it sizzles, it's ready). While the oil is getting hot, put a slice of tomato into the flour mixture and coat generously, then dip it in the milk, and then over to the cornmeal (make sure the cornmeal is caked on all of the tomato).  Next, just drop them in the oil. 
Step 3: The cooking time depends on the thickness and size of the tomato slices but once each side is brown and the center is slightly soft, they are ready. Serve immediately before they get soggy!
Now there you have it, an easy dinner that pleases everyone and allows you to be lazy! Enjoy the fall days by having hearty, easy meals! I hope you'll continue to follow me, I have some great ideas coming soon!
Cooking Hint: Always use a spoon when turning meatballs so they don't break apart.