A Homemade Life: Doron's Meatballs with Pine Nuts, Cilantro, and Golden Raisins

I feel better, so much better.

If you don't have a toddler, chances are you have no idea who Doc McStuffins is.  Or Doc Stuffins as Thatkid calls her.  Doc is a part of the Disney Jr. lineup.  A little girl who plays "doctor" to toys, who come alive under her watchful eye.

The show itself is ingenious for two reasons, for one, it makes visits to the doctor less scary for kids.  Doctor trips play out in an easily accessible format for kids, as they get to see how Doc diagnoses and treats her friends.  The show also imparts "health" lessons through these diagnoses.  Like how the things we eat, affect the way we function.  Or in the episode we watched yesterday, about Tony the taxi, how if you don't pay attention to what you're doing, you're going to crash.

One of Thatkid's classmates is a huge Doc McStuffin's fan, and therefore her birthday party was themed accordingly.  The party was at a park by their house, which made perfect sense for a July birthday.  Except the morning of the party, the skies opened up.  Thunder. Lightening.  Rain.

We piled into the car, warning Thatkid that there was a good chance the party would be cancelled.  Thatboy was hoping this would be the case as he started brainstorming good places nearby to go for lunch.  But when showed up at the party, there was no sign of cancellation.

Slowly the guests showed up, braving the inclement weather which showed no sign of stopping.  The adults huddled under the shelter, but other than the fact the bounce house was off limits, the kids didn't let the downpour stop their good times.

The only problem was that since these are Southern California kids, none of them were really prepared for the rain.  Both Thatkid and his little blonde friend over there were both so wet, they were freezing cold, and we had very little to help them get warm again.

Eventually we got the kids to come under the shelter for some drier activities like coloring.

And cake.

Look at all these wet, cold, troopers!

The birthday girl's parents had brought in Popeyes for lunch, and I joked with Thatboy that it was worth coming in the rain for that.  Although I was joking, it's true that the food can make or break a party.  I know we've all been to parties where the food was terrible, or more commonly, there just wasn't enough of it. 

There are certain things we fall back on, things that you always have on hand for parties.  Things that are easy, filling, and you can make in mass quantities.  These meatballs are an excellent example of that.  This recipe is undeniably easy, and makes a ton.  I have a gallon size bag of them in my freezer right now, which can be defrosted at a moment's notice to feed an army.  They're different than your standard Italian meatballs, which makes them perfect for an easy appetizer, or a quick lunch on their own. 

Doron's Meatballs with Pine Nuts, Cilantro, and Golden Raisins (From A Homemade Life)

1 cup plain yogurt

3 Tbsp lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp cumin, divided

3/4 tsp salt, divided

1/2 cup minced onions

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1/2 cup chopped pine nuts

1/2 cup golden raisins, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup fine bread crumbs

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/8 tsp ground pepper

1 lb ground meat (lamb, turkey, or chicken)

 4 Tbsp olive oil

1. In a small bowl combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and whisk to combine.
2. Combine onion, cilantro, pine nuts, raisins, bread crumbs, egg, remaining salt and cumin, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Add the ground meat and break into small chunks, massaging nd kneading to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. Pinch off hunks and roll into 1 1/2 inch balls and set on a large plate.
5. Warm 2 Tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add half of the meatballs, turning as they begin to color.  They're ready when they're evenly browned.
6. Transfer the finished meatballs to a plate lined with a paper towel.  Add the remaining 2 Tbsp oil and cook the remaining meatballs.
7. Serve with the yogurt sauce.