Instructions

Place the Basic Red Sauce in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Place all the remaining meatball ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir well with a wooden spoon to combine. Wash your hands then form the meat into balls by rolling 1 tablespoon of meat between them. Place meatballs on a plate as they are formed. (Hint: if your hands are slightly damp, the meatballs will roll more easily and will not stick to your hands!) When all the meatballs are formed, wash your hands again and then gently place the balls into the sauce 1 at a time using a long handled spoon. Be careful ñ bubbling sauce splatters! Simmer the sauce uncovered, and allow the meatballs to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes before stirring. Stir the meatballs into the sauce when they rise to the top.

Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, and stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Remove from the heat, and serve immediately over cooked spaghetti.

For the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the salt, olive oil and spaghetti. Reduce the heat to medium and cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together. Drain the spaghetti in a colander set in a sink, pouring away from you. Toss in the pot with the sauce and meatballs and serve immediately.

Yield: 32 meatballs, or 6 to 8 servings