I have a really good recipe that I use as a stand by when all of a sudden I need to make a great meal that almost anyone will eat. When people try it and say ‘wow this is so good!’ I used to say ‘I know, right?’ and immediately divulge my secret, but lately I have been saying ‘why thank you’ and wiping my brow like it took me forever and a day in the kitchen. But where is the fun in that?;) So here is my amazingly good, quick, easy and healthy recipe for

Spaghetti and Meatballs a la Mader.;)

Here is the original recipe and below follows my version.

* 2 24 oz jars purchased pasta sauce (I know, jarred sauce, the horror, don’t tell anyone!)
* 1 package ground turkey, I think they are 1.25lbs typically
* 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs made from whatever old bread you have lying around, the good stuff from the bakery makes the best crumbs
* 6 tablespoons purchased pesto, I buy mine at Costco
* 1 egg
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1 lb spaghetti
* grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Spread 3/4 jar of pasta sauce over bottom of heavy large skillet. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, pesto, egg and salt in large bowl. Using moistened hands, form mixture into golf ball sized meatballs. Place meatballs in single layer in sauce. Spoon remaining sauce over. Bring to simmer. Cover; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain pasta; divide between bowls. Top with meatballs and sauce.

If you want to get all crazy, you can add sauteed mushrooms, peppers, onions, or roasted cherry tomatoes to the sauce. I also have been known to add a bit of the purchased pesto into the sauce while it is cooking. What’s the harm in that, I have the world’s largest container from Costco after all!

I serve this with some garlic bread and it is really good and really easy. I have even tried making it in my crock pot! It won’t work fast, but if you have all day, go for it, in 8 hours those babies have to be done, right?

Enjoy and you didn’t hear it from me.;)