A distant memory

As I sit here eating my small handful (alas, that is all Weight Watchers will allow) of last night's pasta and meager drippings of sauce and trying desperately to convince myself that the large salad staring at me on the table is going to taste so much better than that second serving of pasta I am reminded of a time when I could eat whatever, whenever I wanted.........

And then the record skips and I am jolted back into reality.

Now don't get me wrong, I love salad. I eat them a lot. But given the choice, pasta always prevails over salad. I guess that's why I had to join WW again, huh?

I posted this recipe for soy balls some time ago.
I made them again a few weeks ago and added some dried basil and few other seasonings to the mix just for fun.
As I write this and am eating my plain pasta and sauce (don't worry Peter, I am not eating OVER the computer) I am thinking of all the ways those soy balls would be good.
Besides, the obvious simmered in sauce and then placed on top of pasta, I think a nice soy ball sammie with some fresh mozz or maybe even tofu ricotta with basil would be delicious.
Placed between a nicely toasted bread, mmmmmmm, I can taste it now.
Another treat might be to add these balls to a mac and cheese I would think.
I suppose you really could do just about anything with these and even change the seasonings accordingly.
For now, I'll leave you with the original recipe for the soy balls and let you decide what to do with them.
adapted from "125 Best Vegan Recipes"
serves about 4 people

You will need:
1 package (about 14oz) soy ground meat alternative (like Gimme Lean in the tube packaging)
1/4 cup panko (japanese bread crumbs)
2 Tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon all purpose flour, whole wheat pastry flour, whatever
your favorite sauce
a non stick frying pan for the balls
slotted spoon

Step 1
empty the soy meat into a bowl
mix together the panko, flour, oregano and garlic powder and any other seasonings into a separate bowl and mix together well.
with a spoon or ice cream scoop (of whatever size you choose) scoop meat and roll into balls
drop into flour mixture and coat
set aside on a plate


Step 2
heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet on med-high heat
add the meat balls and stir gently with a spoon until they have been browned and are a bit crispy
remove with a slotted spoon
simmer the balls in the sauce until warmed through and ready to use.


Okay salad, here I come.