Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Spaghetti w/ Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs...and "My First Giveaway"

This evening I decided to make "Spaghetti w/ Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs" for dinner.  I had some ground chicken breast in the fridge that needed to be used as well as some leftover fresh mozzarella cheese.  I also had extra julienned squash and zucchini left that I made last night with my little julienne peeler, so all I needed to do was saute it in a bit of olive oil on medium-high heat for a few minutes, just until al dente...and "voila"...I had fresh wheat free pasta in just minutes!  The meatballs were super simple to make and they turned out tender and moist. Since I was using ground chicken breast, which is extremely lean, I added some good fat in the form of eggs and olive oil, as well as seasonings to make sure they were moist and flavorful.  I really love how the melted fresh mozzarella cheese oozes out of each meatball when you cut into it. I topped my spaghetti and meatballs with some shredded Parmigiano Reggiano and chopped fresh Italian parsley. My simple stuffed meatball recipe is posted below as well as several photos that I snapped.  Enjoy!

It's My First Giveaway!!!

The kind folks at Swerve recently contacted me and are allowing me to offer Gourmet Girl Cooks' followers a chance to win an exciting "Celebration to Summer's End Giveaway"!  One lucky follower will win a:  Weber 22.5” Silver One-Touch, Kettle Grill AND a Three-Pack of Swerve (see below). As most of you that follow me already know, I have been using Swerve for almost a year now and it is my favorite "zero calorie" natural sweetener to bake with. It tastes great and measures cup-for-cup just like sugar, which makes it super easy to substitute in recipes...no calculations involved! It contains no artificial ingredients and comes in both granular and confectioners (powdered) versions. With the upcoming Labor Day weekend ahead, I will be posting some delicious "end of summer" recipes using Swerve...so stay tuned!  Ready, set....GO!  Begin entering now!  P.S.-- if you are already a Swerve lover like I am, and your supply is getting low...Swerve is currently running a special through Tuesday, September 3rd, for $9.99 each (for a 16-oz bag) or you can grab a 6-pack of Swerve for $49.98 ($8.33/each + free shipping). You can click here to grab this special ---> Swerve


HOW TO ENTER:
The winning contestant will be chosen at random (must be a U.S. resident).  To enter a chance to win, all you need to do is: Leave a comment here on my blog and include the words "Swerve BBQ Contest" (1 entry per person per day).  Contest ends Friday, September 6, 2013 at Midnight EDT.  The winner will have 24 hours after being announced to contact Gourmet Girl Cooks (by email at GourmetGirlCooksBlog @ gmail.com) with their shipping address. If no response is received in 24 hours, a new winner will be selected.

*The product provided in this giveaway is contributed by and will be sent directly to the winner by Swerve.





Each meatball oozes melted fresh mozzarella cheese when cut into...
One of my favorite brands of jarred sauce...
This is what I mean when I say to use a "good jarred sauce" without wheat or added sugar...it's important to read labels on any and all packaged foods because manufacturers like to sneak wheat and sugar into almost everything!

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken breast (can substitute ground beef, turkey or regular ground chicken)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dash or two ground cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons sun dried tomato pesto (I used Mezzetta's)
4 small slices fresh mozzarella cheese (about 3 ounces)
1 jar of your favorite "good spaghetti/pasta sauce" (I used DelGrosso's with no wheat or added sugar)
Shredded Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano, for topping (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line a 9 x 13" baking pan with foil (for easy clean up) and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken (or beef), olive oil, egg, salt, garlic and onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper and sun dried tomato pesto until mixed well; set aside.  Cut pieces of mozzarella cheese and press together, rolling into 8 large "grape-sized" balls (or enough for the number of meatballs you make).  Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Using your hands, lightly dampened with water, form meatballs, pressing a ball-shaped piece of mozzarella into the center of each, sealing well so cheese doesn't ooze out while baking. Place meatballs, spaced about an inch apart in baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Pour spaghetti sauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat; add meatballs, submerging in sauce; cover and simmer about 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to mingle. Serve meatballs and sauce over yellow squash or zucchini pasta. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.

68 comments:

Unknown said...

I would love to be entered in the "Swerve BBQ Contest". I went wheat free last November and follow your blog everyday! Thanks for all you do!
Deb Prior Lake, MN

Susan D said...

I guess I'm the first....Swerve BBQ Contest

Love your blog!

Chris said...

Looks yummy again! Would love to win the Swerve BBQ Contest. Will you deliver and cook too??? :)

Natasha Reed said...

What in the world are those bowtie looking thingies? I know they're not pasta, but they look like it.

Yay! A "Swerve BBQ Contest"! Sign me up.

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Good luck to all of you Deb, Dilleshaw & Chris! (Haha Chris about delivering and cooking, too!)

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

LOL, Natasha! Those bowtie thingies are painted inside my "pasta bowls"...LOL They aren't edible! I love those bowls...so I just enjoy looking at the "wheat free" pasta design! ;-) P.S. -- Good luck!

Unknown said...

Your food looks amazing. Thanks for the inspirations. I also would LOVE to win the "Swerve BBQ Contest"

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks, Jane! Good luck! :-)

Susan M. said...

I have tried several of your recipes and loved them all. I have been wanting to try Swerve so please enter me in the "Swerve BBQ Contest". Thanks!

Sami said...

What a pity I can't enter...I will look at the swerve offer though.

Lisa said...

I love that sauce, it's become my new "staple" instead of making it myself! I love Swerve - have been using it for over a year now and would love to win some more - "Swerve BBQ Contest"

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks & Good luck, Susan! :-)

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

I'm sorry, Sami -- I wish you could!!! I hope you can at least find it where you are! :-)

Unknown said...

Your recipes always look amazing. I'm so glad I found your blog.. Love the Swerve BBQ Contest give away too!

Luci said...

Please enter me in the "Swerve BBQ Contest" I have made several of your recipes and love them. I am so happy to have found your blog. I am a fan of Swerve! I can only find it at Whole Foods located about an hour from my home so I always stock up. I have not tried their confectioners sugar but plan to soon.
Thank you for all of the time and effort you put in to developing your recipes and posting them!

Unknown said...

I have not yet tried Swerve but looking forward to it. Your blog and fb page inspire me daily. Please enter me in the "Swerve BBQ Contest."

Unknown said...

Have yet to give Swerve a try, but looking forward to it. Please enter me in the "Swerve BBQ Contest". Thanks for all your inspiration and delicious recipes!

hlc said...

Swerve BBQ contest!

These are on my menu next week. Look so good!

Debbie said...

First of all I love your new photo,
you look amazing!! I have been wheat free and sugar free for 2 months and have been a fan of your rec.since then too. Love to enter
Swerve BBQ Contest"
Please keep posting your recipes, they are my life line!!

Anonymous said...

I would love to win the Swerve BBQ Contest,and am a huge fan!

Marisa G said...

Please enter me in the Swerve BBQ Contest! Thanks!

Julie F said...

I love your recipes and I also thought those pasta bows on your bowl were the real deal! Would love to be entered in the "Swerve BBQ Contest"!

Anonymous said...

Swerve,BBQ contest!

Deanna Stevens said...

"Swerve BBQ Contest" Love your blog!

Debbie Lou said...

I really enjoy your blog and have been wanting to try Swerve. Please enter me in the "Swerve BBQ Contest". Thank you so much!

Karen said...

Please enter me in the "Swerve BBQ Contest" I have been wheat free since April 2013 and although I love it, it does stretch the budget. I live in KS, home of wheat!! Love your recipes, thanks for taking the time to share them with us all!

Pat said...

I'd love to win the Swerve BBQ Contest. I just tried Swerve for the first time and LOVE it. I've been searching for a sugar replacement for a long time - and Swerve is wonderful in baked foods AND my marinades. Thanks for all your great recipes and tips for eating healthy.

Anonymous said...

I would like to be entered in the "Swerv BBQ Contest." I absolutely love your recipes. I only cook with them now. Judy, Adel, Ia.

Linda said...

Hi Gourmet Girl,
I sent one comment and it bounced back so I'm trying again. I would not be 30 lbs lighter if it weren't for your blog. I love the recipes, the stories, the pictures, everything. Please enter me in your Swerve BBQ Contest. I love swerve, it's the only sweetener I use.
All the best, Linda

TraySeeH said...

You have some of my favorite wheat free recipes. Would love to win the "Swerve BBQ Contest".

Susan O'Bryant said...

Those meatballs are making me drool! Major yumminess. Thank you for hosting this Swerve BBQ Contest :)

Vizzybizz said...

I live in Canada, so don't qualify, sad.

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

I'm so sorry Vizzybizz -- I had no say in that...I have many followers from Canada, Australia and other countries that can't. I am guessing it is due to the cost to ship/mail. I hope you are able to find Swerve where you are, because it really is great for baking and other recipes where you would normally use sugar. :-)

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks, everyone! I wish all of you good luck! Have a "sweet and swervilicious day"! :-)

Bernie Hoover said...

Great contest idea.
Swerve BBQ Contest

VColeman said...

I would love to be entered in the "Swerve BBQ Contest". Your recipes and photos are absolutely awesome!

ATC.XM said...

I'm a newbie to wheat free and I'm just loving it! I'd love to win the "Swerve BBQ Contest"

SierraDeb said...

Count me in on the Swerve BBQ Contest! (I'm going to try the zucchini pasta tonight!)

Brenda V. Lebanon, OR said...

I would love to be entered in the Swerve BBQ Contest. Following your recipes, I now use Swerve for all my baking!

WendyEliza said...

I have been following you for four months now and I check in everyday-you have made my life easier because the rest of my family (all adults...my mom and dad live with us now and they are divorced!!!) so it is a house full of crazy!!!! but dinner is always the best part and your meals seems to make us all smile...even if it is only for a short time ;) Your meals are family friendly recipes that the crazies in my house can identify with :) Happy cooking. And if you could enter me your "Swerve BBQ Contest" my life would now be complete. Cheers

Anonymous said...

I haven't tried Swerve yet but have made several of your recipes and loved them all! I would love to win the "Swerve BBQ Contest" - and those meatballs look wonderful!!

Andi

Anonymous said...

Thank You Gourmet Girl for all the time and hard work you put in to all these delicious recipes. It has been super easy to follow the Wheat Belly
plan because of you! Thank you so much and please enter me in the Swerve
BBQ Contest.

Kathy in Texas said...

"Swerve BBQ Contest"...........

and why shouldn't I win?

L said...

Hi, Pls add me the "Swerve BBQ contest". Love your blog, photos, and of course, your recipes. I have not tried Swerve yet. Experimenting with NuNaturals, Presweet Tagatose now. Thanks for all your work.

Lynda (50 miles south of Houston, TX)

Kelly C. said...

You are such an inspiration and your recipes are always wonderful! The Swerve BBQ Contest is awesome!

Katie D. said...

Swerve BBQ Contest

Christine Macneil said...

I love reading your blog and have tried many of your recipes. Thanks for providing all of your gluten free, wheat free recipes!

Thanks for the opportunity to enter the "Swerve BBQ Contest".

Sarah B said...

Love to enter the swerve BBQ contest! Love your recipes! Can't wait to try these meatballs!

CyberSis said...

OK, I'll bite!
And I'll enter the contest,too! :-)
Swerve BBQ Contest.

Patricia said...

Swerve BBQ Contest
Another great blog~~your cooking always inspires me! XOXO

Pamela Wagner said...

I watch for my recipe of the day every single day and print it. Everyone in my family loves them.

I would love to win a Swerve BBQ prize! Firs I've heaerd of them. Must be good if they are on this site!

Cheryl said...

Please enter me in your contest! Btw, thanks for posting all of these wonderful recipes!
Thanks, Cheryl

Becky @ Becky's Place said...

Swerve BBQ Contest - Please enter me. I'd love to try Swerve, thanks.

Rita said...

Swerve BBQ Contest...how exciting. I just love your blog. Thanks for all the great recipes!

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks everyone for ALL your kind comments -- good luck to all of you! :-)

Susan Christy said...

Thanks for the Swerve BBQ Contest. I would love to win a grill!

Luana said...

The meatballs look so good. I will definitely make them. And there's nothing like a cold meatball or two for breakfast the next day. Swerve BBQ Contest

♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ said...

The recipe on your blog looks SOOOOO good. I really want to win the "Swerve BBQ Contest"
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

Darlene said...

You had me fooled for a minute with those bowtie pasta look-alikes! I thought maybe you had cut them out of yellow squash or something! (which would be very tedious and almost impossible!) Please enter me in the Swerve BBQ Contest!

Anonymous said...

Swerve BBQ Contest. love your blog and recipes! thank you!

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks, Carolsue, Darlene & Anonymous! Good luck to all of you -- "anonymous" -- I will need a way to announce you, so could you please re-enter with some your name or a way I can announce you if you get chosen?

Darlene -- too funny. A number of people got fooled by my little bow tie pasta painted bowls! :-)

TZel said...

Hi! Please enter me into the Swerve BBQ Contest. Thanks!

Carol and little Sophie said...

Who doesnt love anything with mozzarella! Swerve BBQ Contest
Carol

Susan O'Bryant said...

Still cravin' the meatballs! Thanks for hosting this Swerve BBQ Contest :)

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks, Tzel, Carol & Susan O'Bryant -- thanks to everyone else that entered and posted kind such kind comments! Good luck to all of you! :-)

Glenda Mills said...

Love all the recipes on your site and would love to win the Swerve BBQ Contest!

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks, Glenda! Good Luck! :-)

Luana said...

Lisa, these are very good! I used ground turkey, and was not able to get them as small as I usually make them, so I made 8 large ones. Delicious! I had one with roasted zucchini for dinner tonight and it was perfect.