Leake Estate Italian Meatballs

Leake Estate Italian Meatballs Recipe - Authentic Italian Sausage Meatballs

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 18 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Leake Estate Italian Meatballs are a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for any occasion. These meatballs are made with a combination of Italian sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and self-rising flour, creating a flavorful and hearty meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The recipe for Leake Estate Italian Meatballs has been passed down through generations in the Leake family. Originally created by Italian immigrants who settled in the United States, this recipe has been a favorite among family and friends for years. The combination of Italian sausage and sharp cheddar cheese gives these meatballs a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) italian sausage
1 lb (454 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup self-rising flour

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Remove the sausage from its casing if it is not in bulk style.
Crumble the sausage in a bowl, then mix in the grated cheese and flour. Shape the mixture into 1.5 inch meatballs and place them on cookie sheets. Bake for 18 minutes.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Leake Estate Italian Meatballs, be sure to use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Crumbling the sausage in a bowl before mixing in the cheese and flour will ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. Be sure to shape the meatballs into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Leake Estate Italian Meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic Italian meal. They also pair well with a side salad or garlic bread.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and retain their shape. Be sure to rotate the cookie sheets halfway through cooking for even browning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use mild Italian sausage instead of hot. You can also use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving option for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Leake Estate Italian Meatballs on a platter garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve them in a bowl with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Pairing Recommendations

Leake Estate Italian Meatballs pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad. They also pair well with a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Leake Estate Italian Meatballs contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Leake Estate Italian Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Leake Estate Italian Meatballs contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Leake Estate Italian Meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Leake Estate Italian Meatballs are a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Leake Estate Italian Meatballs contain dairy (cheddar cheese) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Leake Estate Italian Meatballs are a delicious and hearty dish that is high in protein and fat, making them a satisfying meal option.

Summary

Leake Estate Italian Meatballs are a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with Italian sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and self-rising flour, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Serve them with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic Italian meal that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through some old cookbooks at a garage sale. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out from between the pages of a well-loved Italian cookbook. It was a handwritten recipe for Leake Estate Italian Meatballs.

I couldn't believe my luck. The recipe looked like it had been passed down through generations, with notes scribbled in the margins and stains from years of use. I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

I quickly paid for the cookbook and rushed home to try out the recipe. As I gathered the ingredients, I couldn't help but think about the history behind this recipe. Who had originally written it down? Where had it come from? I felt a connection to the past as I mixed the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices together.

As the meatballs sizzled in the pan, I couldn't help but smile. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen, reminding me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house. I knew that this recipe was going to be a hit with my family.

When I served the meatballs that evening, my family's faces lit up with delight. They savored each bite, commenting on the perfect blend of flavors and the tender texture of the meatballs. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had uncovered a hidden gem in that old cookbook.

From that day on, Leake Estate Italian Meatballs became a staple in our household. I made them for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. Each time I cooked them, I thought of the unknown cook who had first written down the recipe and the generations of families who had enjoyed it.

Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients. I made the meatballs bigger, smaller, spicier, milder – always trying to improve upon the original. But no matter how many variations I tried, the Leake Estate Italian Meatballs remained a favorite among my loved ones.

I eventually learned the story behind the recipe. It had been passed down through the Leake family for generations, originating in a small village in Italy. The recipe had made its way to America with a young immigrant who settled in the Midwest and opened a successful Italian restaurant. The Leake Estate Italian Meatballs had become a signature dish, beloved by locals and tourists alike.

As I shared this story with my family, they marveled at the history behind the recipe. They appreciated the tradition and heritage that came with each bite of the savory meatballs. And I felt grateful to have stumbled upon such a treasured family recipe.

Today, whenever I make Leake Estate Italian Meatballs, I think of the cook who first wrote down the recipe, the immigrant who brought it to America, and the generations of families who have enjoyed it. I feel a connection to the past and a sense of pride in carrying on a culinary tradition.

And as I watch my grandchildren savor each bite of the meatballs, I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of our family for years to come. It is more than just a dish – it is a story, a tradition, and a piece of history that will live on through the generations. And for that, I am truly grateful.