Halloween recipe: Spaghetti with 'eyeballs'
Quick baked meatballs become gruesome eyeballs thanks to a little cheese and olive slices. Credit: Marge Perry
Halloween night is no time to fuss over a dinner that is a means to an end for most kids. Whether you need to get a little something in those bellies before the madness begins or you are having your own fun at-home spooky night, this simple dinner is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Spaghetti and 'Eyeballs'
8 ounces spaghetti
1 cup bottled marinara sauce
1 pound lean ground beef
1 large egg
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 1-ounce stick string cheese, cut across in 16 slices
16 slices pitted black olive
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1. Preheat the oven to 400 and coat a baking sheet pan with cooking spray.
2. Cook the spaghetti in plenty of lightly salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain, return to the pot and add the marinara sauce. Cover and set aside (off the heat).
3. Meanwhile, stir the beef and egg together until well combined. Add the panko, salt and pepper, stir well, and form into 16 balls (about 1 ½-inches in diameter). Place on the pan and bake 12-13 minutes, until just cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and top each meatball with a slice of the cheese. Return to the oven for 1 minute. Remove from the oven and press an olive into each slightly melted round of cheese.
4. Place the spaghetti on plates and sprinkle with the parsley. Top with the eyeballs and serve. Makes 4 servings.
