Crunchy and Crusted: Crinkle Meatballs

For this month's Five Star Cooking theme, I made a very different kind of meatballs. Instead of soft and juicy, these are crunchy and crusted, with a tint of sweetness from pieces of dates. The yogurt sauce drizzled on top balances out the texture. Surprisingly, this is now my favorite kind of meatballs.

Crinkle Meatballs with Turkey and Date

Crinkle Meatballs with Turkey and Date
from Food and Wine
Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups fresh bread crumbs
• 6 dates, pitted and finely chopped
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup French green lentils
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
• 2 thyme sprigs
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Recipe

1. In a bowl, combine the ground turkey with the bread crumbs, dates, eggs, sesame seeds, sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover the lentils, garlic, thyme and cinnamon stick with 2 inches of water; bring to a boil. Simmer over moderately low heat until the lentils are tender, about 25 minutes. Drain the lentils and transfer to a bowl; pick out and discard the seasonings. Stir the olive oil and vinegar into the lentils and season with salt and pepper.
3. Form the turkey mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Spread the meatballs on a lightly oiled large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned on the bottom and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, blend the yogurt with the lemon juice, mint and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper. Serve the meatballs with the lentils and yogurt.

Thank you to Natasha from 5 Star Foodie and Laz from Lazaro Cooks! for hosting this month's 5 Star Cooking!

hosted by 5 Star Foodie & Lazaro Cooks!

Exotic Green Lentil with Roasted Vegetable Salad

I came home to a very pleasant surprise from Foodbuzz and Crisco. Three bottles of olive oil were delivered to my doorstep. As a part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program, I received Crisco Pure Olive Oil, Crisco Light Olive Oil, and Crisco 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Green Lentil Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Fresh Mozzarella

I used Crisco EVOO to make a warm green lentil salad with roasted vegetables and fresh mozzarella.

Green Lentil Salad
From LA Times Test Kitchen
Serves 4
Ingredients

• 1 cup of French green lentils, rinsed
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of chopped roasted carrots*
• 2 chopped roasted shallots*
• 3 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1.5 tbsp of fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1.5 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp of dijon mustard
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1/8 cup of packed sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 3oz fresh mozzarella, chopped

Recipe

1. Place lentils, bay leaf, garlic, 4 cups of water, and 1/2 tsp of salt in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain lentils well and discard water, bay leaf, and garlic. Transfer hot lentils to a large bowl. Add roasted chopped carrots and shallots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, mustard, 1/8 tsp of salt and a pinch of pepper. Transfer dressing to the bowl of lentils and toss gently.
3. Add parsley, tomatoes, and mozzarella and toss again, gently, just to combine. Serve warm.

*Roast peeled carrots (cut into chunks) and peeled shallots in preheated 375F oven for 30 minutes until golden brown. Chop roasted vegetables.

Crisco Olive Oil
~ Crisco EVOO - bold and fruity flavor, presents a rich olive flavor in dishes. Ideal for salad dressings, marinades, and dips.
~ Crisco Pure Olive Oil - mild and smooth flavor, adds a hint of fruity olive flavor to meals. Ideal for sauteing meats and vegetables.
~ Crisco Light Olive Oil - extra mild in flavor, perfect for everyday cooking. Ideal for baking and all-purpose cooking oil.

Crisco Olive Oil (100% extra-virgin, pure, and light)

Thanks to Foodbuzz and Crisco!