Guilt-Free Meatballs

When I make something for breakfast, lunch, dinner or whenever there is a hungry belly in my home I usually just whip something together by knowing what flavors taste yummy together. It's not often that I make something and write the recipe down so that I can make sure that the next time I make the dish it comes out exactly the same...except for these meatballs that I whipped up the other day!

INGREDIENTS:
1. 1 package of 99% Fat-Free Ground Chicken Breast (don't worry, they won't be dry and tasteless!)
2. 2 Sweet Turkey Sausage Links. Remove meat from casings
3. 1/2 - 3/4 cups Homemade Breadcrumbs (recipe below)
4. 2 eggs whites
5. 1 slice of bread ripped up soaked in about 1 tbsp skim milk
6. 1 tbsp dried italian seasoning (rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley)
7. 1/2 tsp salt
8. 1/2 tsp pepper
9. 1 tbsp olive oil
10. 1 tsp water

Homemade Breadcrumbs:
In a blender, place 3/4 cup 1-minute oatmeal, 1/4 cup flaxseed meal, 1/4 cup wheat germ and about 10 or so crackers (i.e. Ritz wheat crackers, Triscuits...whatever you have or want). Blend on a high setting until everything is combined and a fine consistency. 

*This makes more breadcrumbs than the recipe calls for so that you can put the rest in the fridge for when you make these meatballs again!

HOW TO:
- Mix ingredients 6-10 together and place in microwave for about 15 seconds. Set aside.
- Mix bread, ground chicken and sausage together until almost fully combined.
- In a small, separate bowl slightly beat egg whites together with a fork and pour over meat.
- Add breadcrumbs to mixture.
- Once cooled, pour oil, water and seasoning mixture over breadcrumbs.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Roll ping-pong sized balls, place on cookie sheet, and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes (or until meat thermometer reads 165).

Here is Santa posing with the Guilt-Free Meatballs served with Whole Grain Rigatoni.