Pasta and Surprise Meatballs

Pasta sauce:

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves fresh minced garlic

1/2 cup minced onion

2-6 oz. cans tomato paste

1-28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

2 cups water

1/3 cup sugar

1 bay leaf

1 Tbsp basil

1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp majoram

1 Tbsp parsley

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Over medium heat, put olive oil, onion and garlic into a large saucepan and sautee for 2-3 minutes. Stir in water, followed by the remaining ingredients. Heat to a simmer, reduce heat to low and cover.

Start workin on the balls!

Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef

2 eggs

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

1/3 cup finely chopped mushrooms

2 Tbsp minced onion

2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

......and the surprise?

4 slices provolone cheese

Beat 2 eggs into medium mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients except provolone cheese. Blend ingredients thoroughly.

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in another skillet on medium/low. Form meat balls of desired size, adding a bit of provolone cheese to the center of each, and drop into skillet. Turn carefully and frequently with love until lightly brown on all sides. Put meatballs into sauce and continue to simmer for up to an hour. (I did more like a half hour, it smelled too good to wait!)

Serve over favorite pasta.