I've recently made meatballs. From scratch. Raw meat, onions, parsley, garlic, milk soaked bread and seasoning. All mulched together with my 10 filanges and formed into 24, neat, golf-ball-sized balls; pan-seared in olive oil and slow cooked in a homemade red sauce. Mmmmmmm.... delicious!

I was actually quite proud of myself. Not only was this the first time I have ever cooked with raw beef (in minced form), but I must admit, I did a knock-out job of A) actually using one of my many cook books and B) patiently following the recipe through to perfection.

(Although it looks like a lot of goop, be assured, those balls of meat are chalk full of tantalizing flavors)

So, after tasting, and testing these wonderful balls of meat on my more than willing "taste-tester" friends, I got an idea. Instead of the same old, same old, sugar cookies that are exchanged around the holidays, what if I started giving Christmas meatballs? It would be a new take on an the old tradition of exchange. I could do different flavors, and perhaps even have a "Christmas Meatball" full of Christmas spices and served with a Christmas gravy.

With the finances tight this year, and me still wanting to give unique and individualized gifts, the Christmas Meatball may just get its first test run this season.

Hmmmmm.... we'll see. Currently, I had planned this afternoon to make my first dozen or so batches of various Christmas Cookies (Thank you Food Network "12 days of Cookies"). Now, however, given recent revelations, I may have to change plans. But, fair warning - if you get a Christmas Meatball this year, do not be surprised. Simply follow the reheat instructions accompanying your treat, grab a fork, and enjoy! :)