I have been serving this recently as the weather has been a bit colder than usual for November. It's warming and nourishing!
Polenta
Ingredients:
1/2 c polenta or grits
1c water
1 c milk
1 teaspoon salt
fresh pepper
handful or two of grated sharp cheese
2 T butter
Method
Put all ingredients in a pot and cook until thick (stir often so it doesn't stick). You can make a double batch if needed - I generally do, then serve it with fried eggs and bacon in the morning.
Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb/half kg ground/minced beef (or adjust to your needs)
1lb/half kg ground/minced ground pork or pork sausages, opened
several Spring onions, sliced
salt and pepper
Sauce:
olive oil or lard
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
(carrot and/or celery, chopped small, if desired)
300ml or so of chopped tomatoes
1 heaped tablespoons tomato paste
1 - 2 handfuls of chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary, oregano, marjoram, lemon thyme, etc.
a bit of broth to thin out the sauce if needed
some balsamic vinegar
some Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Heat olive oil and cook onions. When almost finished add garlic and cook for a minute (don't let it burn). Add all other ingredients and cook through.
Meanwhile, mix meats with Spring onions, salt and pepper; roll into balls.
Place a bit of the sauce into a slow cooker to cover the bottom; place meatballs in, then pour over the sauce. Cook on low all day or on high for a few hours.