Cooking Pointers From The Boss

Regular readers other than Karen and Janet might be surprised to know that I love The Boss.  Meaning Bruce Springsteen.  My early 20’s found me playing Springsteen loudly on my cassette player in my gold Ford Tempo with the windows down (well, the car didn’t have air conditioning), sunroof popped up as I drove down to our town beach.  Karen might not remember having to ask me not to sing so loudly (and obnoxiously, I’m sure) so she could hear Bruce, but I kind of do.  And who could forget those ‘Born in the USA’ concerts in New Jersey!

I knew all the lyrics by heart because I half believed he was writing and singing to me.  That same half left me wanting to run away with Bruce in an old muscle car into the hot Jersey summer sunset.  All of my young adult angst connected with the poet/songwriter and his lyrics of raw passion.  One specific lyric, from his classic “Thunder Road,” I truly found puzzling, insulting and hopeful all at the same time.  Here it goes:

“You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright
Oh and that's alright with me”

While I no longer relate to the above words on such a personal level (in my advanced age!), I occasionally have found them singing to me when I cook.  Today’s recipe is a perfect example.  Porcupine Meatballs.  I received this recipe from Amanda, who adapted it from The Betty Crocker Cookbook.  A protein and a side dish all in one.  It’s kid friendly, easy to make, and a skillet meal that doesn’t heat up the oven.  But, let me be clear,  Porcupine Meatballs are neither flashy nor glamorous.   So - thanks, Bruce, for helping me find the words of inspiration to be ‘alright’ in this dish’s serving.
                                     ‘Ain’t a beauty,’ but it’s good!
Porcupine Meatballs
3/4 c rice (uncooked)
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
Dash of each:  celery salt, garlic powder, pepper
chopped onion to taste
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 1/4 c water
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Mix rice, ground beef, salt, celery salt, garlic powder, pepper and onion.  Form into meatballs.  Brown in frying pan.  Add water, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.  Simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes or until rice is done.  Serves 4-6.
Shown below:  1. mix meatball ingredients, remember rice is uncooked  2. browning meatballs 3. after sauce is added.