Cheesecake in a Jar and more!

Look, if I’m cooking for her on Valentine’s Day, I’ll make something pretty, like cheesecake in a jar, but also…

A simple meatball recipe that guys (and gals) will love, plus Roland’s famous Cheesecake in a Jar.

Just because it’s all about ~~her~~ us doesn’t mean that what I want for dinner doesn’t count. 😬

What I really want is a huge steak, or a bacon-wrapped meatloaf, but that’s pretty much the opposite of girl food, even though many girls (like Galina) like bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

I want a food that’s filling, but won’t leave me bloated and looking for my eating pants.

It would also be great to have food that’s quick and easy, so critical energy is saved for other activities (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

Bonus points if the food can simmer or be made ahead, so as not to interfere with said activities.

Oh, and no raw garlic, right?

Enter the meatball

…which is total guy food (chick may not ‘dig ’em’ like guys do, but they tend to eat ’em anyway).

Also, on the menu is a simple salad, but veggies are ok.

Meatballs (for when steak isn’t an option)

Ingredients:

1 lb 80% lean ground beef or lamb

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp oregano

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground pepper

1 cup broth or water

ketchup, or barbeque sauce

Directions

Using your hands, mix the ground beef, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper together. Divide the mixture into 16 portions, and roll them into 16 balls.

Place the meatballs in large skillet with a cover, and bring to medium-high heat, shaking, stirring, and rolling the meatballs periodically until the meatballs are browned all over.

Add the broth or water, then cover the meatballs. Lower the heat to low, simmering them until cooked to desired level of ‘done’ (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and leave covered until ready to serve.

Serve with something hands off or simple, like rice, a green salad, and some veggies you can steam and toss while the meatballs are simmering.

Easy Vegetables

2-3 medium zucchini or 10-12 oz of baby zucchini

2-3 medium carrots or 10-12 oz of baby carrots

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

If using full size veggies, cut them into bite size pieces.

Place the veggies in a pot with a steamer basket insert and water, and bring water to a boil.

Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes or until desired level of tenderness.

When the veggies are done, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Serve the meatballs and veggies with mustard and ketchup, if desired.

Dessert is absolutely NOT out of the question!

I’m on a diet.

But I really hope she makes cheesecake.