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ll Cibo é L'essenza Della Vita....

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“VIVERE SENZA RIMPIANTI” LIVE WITHOUT REGRETS

"If you want to live forever and ever, drink wine and eat maccheroni." ~~~Sicilian Proverb

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Our First Giveaway Part 2!! Foodie Friday Meatball Salad





It's Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum! Please join us for the most delicious party of the week!

It's also time to announce Part 2 of our very first Giveaway!


Are you ready??!!

      We were SO excited this week to be contacted by CSN Stores. Who would have thought it?? We're always so amazed that people are interested in what we have to say. They have VERY generously offered to sponsor a super Giveaway right here at Bramasole!! CSN Store are a wonderful online source for pretty much everything you could ever need- things like TV stands , and cookware  (you don't want to know how much time I spent browsing THAT site)- they have over 200 stores !! 


CSN is going to send our lucky winner a 60 dollar gift certificate good in any one of their stores!!! How cool is that! Do you know what you can get for 60 dollars?


You might get this for 39.95




or 6 of these for 49.99 with FREE shipping!




or this (which I LOVE) for  69.99 and FREE  shipping (it's worth the extra 9.99!)



And to top it all off, they have asked me to review a product that I've actually mentioned on this blog- more to come on that

Here's what you have to do to enter:

1) Leave a comment on THIS post- 1 entry (tell us what you'd use the gift certificate for- we're nosy!)

2) Become a follower and let us know you did- 1 entry (you don't have to be a blogger to comment or follow!)

3) Become a fan of Bramasole's Facebook page- 1 entry (let us know!)

4) Blog about this Giveaway on YOUR blog and link back to us- 1 entry (make sure you let us know)

5) If you Twitter and tweet about the Giveaway- 1 entry (please let us know- Allie tweets, I don't)

There you go- you can have up to 5 entries! This Giveaway (part 2) will close on Friday night, May 14th at midnight (eastern time- we're in NC)

Now be sure to go and enter Part 1- you'll find that HERE . To enter Part 1, be sure to leave a comment on THAT post. Part 1 of the Giveaway is ending on Thursday, May 6th at 10 p.m. (eastern time)

Just a quick disclaimer- part 1 of the Giveaway is coming directly from us (Pattie and Allie) and is open to all our followers and readers

Part 2 is coming from CSN Stores and is open to residents of the US and Canada

Good luck to all!!

Allie started this blog as a way for me to write a bit about our family and our history and to share our home and kitchen. Though they never knew the world wide web, I just know that my Grandma Josie and my Nonna Norma would be so pleased to know that you've all been reading about them and sharing your stories with us. We are so grateful for this opportunity and feel so blessed to have made some wonderful new friends.

Grandma Josie~~~~~~~~~~~~Nonna Norma



Today for Foodie Friday, I got a bit off track (as usual). The plan was Pollo Nicoise- you may see that this weekend. :) You guys must be getting used to hearing that from me. I've been working to expand my business a bit, the end of school year chaos has started, and there's been lots of yard work to do. 

My Grandma Josie had the most GORGEOUS roses and gladioli....


 I'm getting side-tracked again

This is a dish that I've made often for picnics and beach outings, or days at the park. It travels well, and best of all, it's made with leftovers- any good Italian cook knows the value of leftovers! I've also made it for evenings at home as a light dinner that keeps the kitchen cool- I make the meatballs in the cool of the early morning and throw the rest together at dinnertime. Enjoy!



Insalata di Polpettine (tiny meatball salad)

First make the meatballs:

about 1 1/4 pounds ground meat- I prefer the "meatloaf mix" of beef, veal, and pork,
3 eggs
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
about 1-1 1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (I used leftovers that had been mashed with butter and cream cheese- any smashed up potato is fine, even if it's lumpy :) !)
2-4 tablespoons chopped parsley
1-2 tsp minced, pressed garlic (this is to your preference)
1-2 tablespoons prepared pesto
handful of dried cranberries
OPT: I have in the past (when I have them in the fridge) tossed in a handful of finely diced leftover roasted or grilled vegetables- this is made from leftovers, so experiment!)
salt and pepper to taste

seasoned fine dry bread crumbs

extra virgin olive oil to coat bottom of fry pan

Colorful mixed greens
cherry tomatoes
thinly sliced yellow squash or yellow bell pepper
raisins- I used the Jumbo mixed raisins- love the sweetness and color!
thinly sliced red onion

With your hands (this is important- you can't make good meatballs without the love of your hands! My grandma said so), mix together  the meat, parmesan, potatoes, parsley, garlic, pesto, and cranberries. Season with salt and pepper. Smoosh it together really well. ("smoosh" is a professional chef's word!)

Roll mixture into tiny meatballs- about the size of a large walnut. Roll the meatballs in the seasoned bread crumbs. Heat some olive oil in a saute pan and toss in the meatballs is batches. Fry, turning frequently, till browned and crisp. This won't take long- the oil should be hot and the meatballs are small. Remove to a rack to drain and cool. 
Arrange salad ingredients on a large shallow platter. Mound meatballs on top and serve with your choice of dressing (I like a good balsamic vinaigrette) When I make them for dinner at home, I like to heat the meatballs in the oven just a bit- the warm meatballs on the cold, crunchy salad is excellent. They're great at room temperature for a picnic too- just pack them separately from the salad and mix on site.



Mix in whatever you like!



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dessert!



Dessert tonight is a simple Panna Cotta (see recipe here ) served over glazed orange segments. I made a simple caramel by melting some sugar with a few tablespoons of water and allowing it to turn golden. That was mixed with some of my homemade ginger/orange preserves which I melted and warmed. I poured this mix over some sliced, peeled oranges and refrigerated. Put a spoonful in a shallow dish and unmold the panna cotta on top. Spoon some syrup or honey over the custard if desired and garnish with a mint leaf




Be sure to enter both parts of our Giveaway by commenting on both posts. Let us know if you're following or linking or tweeting (okay, maybe Nonna wouldn't understand "tweeting"!) We are so excited and looking forward to hearing what you'd do with the 60 dollars.

Thank you to Michael for hosting our very favorite party and...

As Always,

Buon Alimenti, Buon Amici,

Pattie and Allie

77 comments:

  1. I would use the GC to buy a new skillet and/or new blender (both of which are needed after recent kitchen disasters).
    thorandellie[at]gmail[dot]com

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  2. I'm a follower.
    thorandellie[at]gmail[dot]com

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  3. looks yummy will be cooking that for my Family Thanks :)

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  4. Your recipe looks great and that bowl is beautiful! I'm lovin' the bee glasses, just have to get myself some! Thanks for a fun give-away!

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  5. Oh, I am so craving that Panna Cotta!!! and with the oranges.....BE STILL MY DESSERT LOVIN HEART!!

    And that salad looks perfect and I am doing one of those Brini Maxwell moment, "Now why didn't I think of that!" (I know, nobody knows who Brini Maxwell is but, that's okay. LOL)

    AWESOME giveaway! Throw my big 'ol name in the pot!!

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  6. Thanks for this great recipe and idea for a dish that travels easily. Looks delicious. I'd want to get some of those bee glasses. I see them on so many blogs and have admired them each sighting. :-)

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  7. I'm one of your followers. I so enjoy Bramasole, Pattie and Allie!
    Your platter makes for a beautiful presentation for the salad.

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  8. Thank you for the great recipe, and I like the fact that it is a dish that travels easily. Love that platter!

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  9. Yummy! I was so impressed with the ingredients that went into those meatballs! Mashed potatoes and cranberries! Wow! I can just taste them. This salad is perfect for me. I haven't met a meatball I haven't loved!

    And what a generous giveaway. Please count me in.

    I haven't been visiting like I should. With the bridal shower last week and I am leaving tomorrow morning for a retreat and plannning all the sessions I've not had the time I usually have to visit!

    It was wonderful to take a few minutes to catch up with you!
    Wonderful post!
    Yvonne

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  10. The tiny meatball salad looks divine! Congratulations on your milestone of over 100 followers!

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  11. Pattie, This just might be the recipe that would get Sarah to try salad! She loves meatballs! What a fun give away!!

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  12. I have never seen a meatball salad, but it looks so good! Joni If I won I would like the bee glasses--I am from Utah -- the Beehive State! I am a follower.

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  13. What fun, another wonderful giveaway and how cool that CSN chose you! You know I'm a fan of meat in salads ;) It looks wonderful!

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  14. The salad meatballs looks good and yummy! What a cool giveaway!
    Vegetable Sushi

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  15. oH GOSH, meatball salad. That sounds fabulous!! I am so hungry now! Fantatic giveaway for one of your lucky fans! xxoo

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  16. Meatball salad - I love it. I always blog hop very early in the morning so I am really hungry.....

    Carol

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  17. What yummy meatballs...mashed potatoes, cranberries, parm, & pesto! Love the bee glasses :-)

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  18. The giveaway was really terrific and I was so excited to read about it but I get distracted by food. That meatball salad sounds wonderful. I can't wait to send the link to my sister. She is going to love it!!

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  19. Good Morning!Please enter me in your second blog giveaway and I am a dedicated follower since I found your blog. I probably would buy an Italian ceramic serving bowl like the one you displayed the meatball salad.Your post is so fresh and pretty with the pictures on the white chair.I am really enjoying visiting your site but I don't blog. Thank you for all your time prepping and posting about the home arts. I am also trying to pass on these values to my girls. Looking forward to trying this recipe and many thanks...hope you all have great weekend!Emelia

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  20. This looks yummy! I've never thought of meatballs IN a salad! And the panna cotta -- a favorite!

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  21. Each time I come to your blog, I first sit and ponder that amazing photo in your header. Literally, I sit here and stare at it for a minute and just imagine being there and seeing it in person. Then...I snap out of my little dream and read your ever wonderful blog and recipes. Oh, this sounds so, so delicious. I love that you mix vaiations of meat...that sounds good. This is one Shawn will want to try as well. Your photo looks so good and makes you want to have a plate before you even know what you're eating. YUM!

    Of course, I'd love to win your Giveaway too! So count me in please!

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  22. I am already a follower and would probably use the g.c. towards some Henckels knives for Shawn.

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  23. Wow, what a great giveaway. I especially like those lovely bee glasses. I'm going to try your panna cotta with some fresh strawberries.

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  24. Hi again, I think I am supposed to say I am a follower in second comment...I can't wait to try this recipe too!Love the pics of your nonnas too.Emelia

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  25. I can't pick a favorite from among your recipes today because everything looks so good.
    That means I'll have to try it all. Have a great day, Pattie. Blessings...Mary

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  26. whoa!!! Love the Mezzaluna!!! And the GC is pretty awesome...CSN is pretty cool.

    I take it children of the "giver" are not eligible? You better watch out, a few more giveaways like these and I may have to disown you as my Mom just to be eligible!

    Also...I can't believe how much Nonny looked like Grandpa when she was younger. I still miss her meatballs.

    I like the idea of travel cuisine...I need some good recipes for camping trips!

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  27. Ok, now for my part two entry! LOL! I'm feelign a little greedy. I'm working on a redo of the whole bottom floor - getting back to my roots, and making it pretty again. I had it torn into a hundred little pieces for the past while because I've been wanting something different - but I realized that different was just the same as everyone else - meaning that it really wasn't "Different" at all. LOL! Ooops - this isn't the box for my manifesto, is it? Ok, so what would I do with the $60? Hmmm. Good question. I'd probably buy a throw pillow or a throw ... and I found the most amazing collection of ink screened pillows by Thomas Paul, Shipped Pillow in Ink - JT-0051-INKSKU #: TMP1185 ... It'd be so lovely in my sunroom. Course, I like the equine ones too! Oooo, too many beautiful things to choose from!

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  28. What a great giveaway. I spent two hours at their site deciding what to do for my giveaway last month. I couldn't tell you what I'd do with that gift certificate, because it would change twenty times over the course of my browsing.

    Love the salad. I think meatballs in a salad sounds so refreshing. What a great summer dinner.

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  29. I am so dying for those bee glasses...

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  30. Those meatballs sound amazing - I would never, ever have thought to use pesto or cranberries!!

    I'm a follower now! Frankly I don't know why I wasn't before...I love your blog!

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  31. I wrote about my Grandma too on Family Friday. I am going to have to join "Foodie Friday". What goes together better than Family and Food?

    I just love your stories!

    Have a great weekend!

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  32. Your meatball salad looks fabulous!

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  33. Love that meatball salad!!! What a great idea to make meatballs healthy!!!

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  34. Hi Allie & Pattie

    I've seen this online store before on other blogs and they do ahve such a marvelous selection of goodies! If I won the GC the first things I'd want to buy is a new waffle maker! :-)

    I love your mini meatball salad ..and that panna cotta....mmmmmm!

    ♥ Pat

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  35. Hi Pattie! OH WOW ... that salad and the dessert... I'll make a deal with you. Come to NJ and you get your choice of guest rooms, but you also get the run of my kitchen. You make the MOST fabulous food!

    congrats on the CSN giveaway --what fun! I'd get some goblets; just what I need, more stuff to put in the dining room!

    Enjoy the weekend...hope it is as gorgeous by you as it is here. Ah... warm sun. The best.
    Cass

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  36. HEY! that's a mezzaluna in the first picture; I am deprived; I do not have one. Sniff...sniff.

    I know, I'll ask one of my daughters for one for Mother's Day. Brilliant! Anne gave me a gorgeous mandoline a few years ago; I still have not used it. Those blades are scary.

    Cass

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  37. j'ai un faible pour ton dessert, j'adore
    bonne soirée

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  38. I am a HUGE FB Fan!! GC I would buy a new mandolin. Meatball salad and the delish dessert, I'm there.

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  39. I am already a follower and I would probably use the money to get a blender, but since, I have never shopped at CSN, it might be a difficult choice for me to make.

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  40. Like Catherine I adore the French bee glasses
    and have been looking for them!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

    Oh and yes I am indeed a follower!

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  41. I forgot to post about your giveaway! Doing it now.

    At the blogger party I bought a few things and of course, more plates. I promised my husband that I would get rid of a few since I somehow manage to bring home new ones every month!!!

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  42. Bonjour Allie and Pattie,
    Will definitely try this meatball sald and the Panna Cotte, sounds delicious. Great giveaway, your pretty blog is attracting alot of attentiuon. Yes I'm a follower.
    Hope you both have a fabulous week,
    Mimi

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  43. I would love to get a calphalon waffle iron!

    urchiken at gmail dot com

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  44. Hi Pattie & Allie! Somehow I missed the second party of your giveaway! I would put the money toward a Le Cruset Dutch Oven. Your meatball salad looks delicious.

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  45. I'd pick the Zodax Panama Five Section Chip and Dip Tray - TH1112!
    ebickell at hotmail dot com

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  46. I tweeted -
    http://twitter.com/emilyisland/status/13432733303
    ebickell at hotmail dot com

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  47. Love the meatballs! Great Giveaway! So many things to choose from- probably a dutch oven or a blender.

    Thanks! ~Nana~

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  48. I just became a Facebook follower!

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  49. Since yours is a blog infused by your Italian heritage, a pasta maker would be something I'd be interested in:D

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  50. Thanks for doing the giveaway! I would use a giftcard toward Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles dinnerware! I've had my eye on it for awhile!
    Beth
    p.s. I am a new follower!

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  51. Great giveaway! I would get a tower fan
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  52. Facebook fan-Rae Pavey
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  53. I would get the Rival 18-Quart Roaster Oven in White - RO180.

    dftrew(At)gtmail(dot)com

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  54. I'm a new follower

    dftrew(at)gmail(dot)com

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  55. I really want the Hamilton 6 cup food processor

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  56. I linked back http://runtothefinish.blogspot.com/2010/05/3-changes-challenge-check-in-3.html

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  57. Thanks for the opportunity! I'd buy the Black & Decker 10-speed Crush Master blender in silver!

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  58. I would love to get some dragonfly glasses that they sell. They are so pretty!!!! What a wonderful giveaway!

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  59. I am a follower of your wonderful blog!

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  60. Hi Darlings,

    I hope all is well. I have not seen a new post. I always look forward to seeing what you two are up to.

    You are the winner of my give a way. I will also e-mail you...so look for my e-mail!

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  61. I would LOVE that pizzelle iron you featured! Imagine being able to make 3 cookies at a time!

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  62. OK, so now I am heading on over to face book to add your link. Thanks for a 3rd entry.

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  63. I would use the gift certificate to purchase table linens and glassware. That set you have is just beautiful!

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  64. I would use the gc to purchase a pinini grill. I know I misspelled that.....but I will use it!

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  65. I am a blog follower.
    LOVe you and you know it. ;)

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  66. I'm a brand new follower. (to this blog and all blogs...:) This is all new to me. I think it could become addictive!

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  67. Oh, I love this recipe. Will make it for my Italian daughter in law (after trying it first on my husband and I of course!) Please enter me in your drawing, I am always shopping for something.

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  68. CSN has so much great stuff, I don't know how I will ever decide what to buy, but I need a new rug for my family room and would love some new kitchenware to replace things I got when I got married in 1989!!

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  69. I would use it for a blender or perhaps some le creuset.

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