Ti Amo

Way back when, before the Big Man & I were married, we had a virtual date every Sunday night. We'd get on AIM (this was back in the day, around the turn of the century people), and chat while we watched the Sopranos, and (at least on my end) ate ice cream.

In my opinion, the Sopranos was one of the best written and acted shows ever, despite the violence, s-e-x and bad language. It took place in New Jersey and many of the places were real (sometimes the names were changed to protect the innocent). 

One year, the Big Man & I dressed up as Tony & Carmela for Halloween. It was the easiest costume ever because we wore what was in our closets! 

Like many, I was shocked by the sudden death of James Gandolfini this week. From growing up in northern New Jersey to graduating from Rutgers (at the same time as the Big Man's cousin) to dozens of iconic movie roles to Tony Soprano, he was a jersey boy through and through.

The Sopranos were a big part of our cultural identity. When we moved from NJ to Sioux Falls, we brought a little of that swagger with us. It was our way of hiding missing home. One thing in particular was Sunday dinner.

Pasta, chicken or veal, salad, bread and tiramisu-the best meal all week.

My favorite always meatballs and pasta. 

Not your average meatball 

2 lbs ground turkey

2 eggs beaten

1 1/2 c bread crumbs

3 tbsp italian seasoning

1/3 c water (as needed)

1 tsp crushed red pepper

3 garlic cloves minced

1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese

Olive oil

Preheat oven to 400. Lightly oil a baking sheet. Mix meat, bread crumbs, eggs & seasoning together. Add water as needed to keep moist. Form into balls. Bake 20-25 minutes until lightly browned. To serve, cook in sauce for 30 minutes. 

All Sopranos pictures from Google images

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