Blisters For Barack

Today I volunteered with the Virginia Democratic Party for Barack Obama and Mark Warner. I went door to door (hence the name for this post) asking people how they thought they were going to vote in the upcoming election. The democratic party is going to get a hold of all the people who said there were likely to vote for democrats and make sure they actually come out to vote!
Before heading out our governor, Tim Kaine, spoke to us about how Virginia is a very competitive state for this election and how important it is for us to get out and get all the democrats to vote. He said that if Barack Obama wins Virgina then he will win the White House!
I know that not all of you may not have the same political views as I do, but really this post is more about getting involved in your government than trying to sway any of you to become a democrat. But...I do want to share something with you about my political views. Up until this years primary elections I have always called myself a republican and always voted republican, but this year something was different. I really think that it is because of Isha. Now that I am a mom I look at the world very differently. I would never have thought that I would become a Democrat, but every day I realize a new and different way that having a child has changed my life!
I wish I was a better writer because I have all of this stuff in my head, but I never seem to be able to get it out and onto the computer screen. I should take a writing class, maybe that would help. One of these days, but until then thanks for reading this and remember to get out there and vote!!!!!!

Parmesan Meatballs with Pine Nuts

Wow, it has been a long time since I posted anything here. Until recently I haven't read anything inspiring and have been a little slack in the cooking and craft department. Now I finally have something to share.

I am not a big meatball fan, but these sounded good so I decided to give them a try. I also like that the recipe came out of my McCall Idaho cookbook.

1lb. very lean beef
1/2c freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves of garlic minced
1/2t dried crushed basil
1/2t dried oregano
1t salt
1/4c pine nuts
1/2c dry plain bread crumbs
1/2c finely chopped onion
1/4t allspice
1/2t black pepper
1/2c milk
1 egg lightly beaten
1/4c chopped parsley

Combine ingredients and form 1-1/2 inch wide balls. Roll lightly in flour

Combine 3T olive oil and 1T of butter in a skillet. When butter foams, start adding meatballs, browning on all sides. Drain on paper towel and then place meatballs in a casserole dish.
Add 1c beef bouillon and 1/2c dry red wine to skillet, stirring until well combined. Add sauce to meatballs and bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes add 1/2 lb. sliced sauteed mushrooms. When done remove meatballs and slightly thicken sauce with cornstarch. Serve over Tagliatelle pasta.

Here are what I changed and what I would do next time.
I didn't use the allspice because I don't have any and they tasted fine. I used egg noodles instead of pasta. Next time I would saute the onions and use more dilute beef bouillon or low sodium beef broth because it was a little salty for me.

I should have taken a picture and I definitely wish I had "smellware" to share the wonderful aroma of this meal.