great balls of fire (or at least near it)

I went to my friend's 4th of July bbq yesterday and it was fun, as always. There were all sorts of goodies, delicious artichoke dip, triple fudge brownies, mini cheesecakes and other mind numbing creations.

At my own gatherings and the speed at which people scarf down food, I think, finger foods are the way to go. Bite sized food is easy to eat when talking to people, cuts down on wasted food, is easy to serve and prepare ahead of time. If I can bbq bite sized treats it's even better, I can keep the mess outside.

(link to meatball griller)

Magical Mozzarella Meatball Recipe
(adapted from a "normal" meatball recipe)
(link to original recipe)

• 1 small (6-ounce) onion, grated
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1/4 cup
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan plus 1/4 cup
• 1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 8 ounces ground veal
• 2 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 (1/2-inch) cubes

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the onion, 1/2 cup parsley, 2/3 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the beef and veal. Using your hands, combine all ingredients gently but thoroughly. Shape the meat mixture into 16 (1 1/2-inch-diameter) meatballs, then make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside. Reform the meatball so that the mozzarella is completely covered with the meat mixture. Place in griller and grill until done.