It's my Party!

So yesterday was my birthday, 35, I know I don't look a day over 34! Gordon had a little get together for me with friends and family. He prepared his famous meatball subs that I LOVE. As promised I am going to post his recipe. As well as the recipe for the cake he and Olivia made for me. The cake is not a family recipe. They made it from my Taste of Home recipe collection. That is one of my favorite cooking magazines to subscribe to. I forgot to take pictures of the meatballs but did get some shots of the cake before it was devoured!

Gordon's Grubbing Meatball Subs

2 lbs leanest ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
1/4 green bell pepper chopped fine
1 tbsp minced garlic or to your taste(we like alot)
2 eggs
Italian seasoned bread crumbs (enough to help meat mixture stick together)
French Bread Sandwich rolls (enough to feed your guests)
Provolone Cheese (enough for 1 slice ea sandwich roll)
Jar Plain Marinara sauce (we use Newman's Own)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix first six ingredients together well. Place in skillet coated with olive oil to brown on all sides. The best method is to steam the meatballs for about 20 minutes. If you don't have a way to steam you can bake them as well, this may dry them out unless you cover them with foil while baking.

While the meatballs are cooking slice the sandwich rolls if they aren't presliced and heat the marinara in a sauce pan on medium low heat.

Once the meatballs are done, place 2-3 in a sandwich roll, top with desired amount marinara then 1 slice provolone folded in two.

Place in oven and heat until cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a knife and fork sandwich for sure! Enjoy!


Cookies-and-Cream Cake

1 package (18-1/4 oz) white cake mix
1-1/4 cups water
1/3 cup veg oil
3 egg whites
1 cup coarsely crushed Oreo Cookies (about 8)

Frosting
4-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 milk
1 tsp vanilla
Additioanl Oreas halved for toppping and crushed for sides (Gordon didn't do this step)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry cake mix, water, oil, & egg whites. Beat on low until moist; beat on high for 2 minutes. Gently fold in crushed cookies.

Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 in round baking pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

For frosting, beat the sugar, shortening, milk, & vanilla in another large bowl until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. If desired, decorate top with cookie halves and sides with crushed cookies.