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January 4th was National Spaghetti Day #NationalSpaghettiDay and in our home it always seems like where a day late when it comes to celebrating #Food Holidays like National Spaghetti Day. Although we are having Spaghetti for dinner this evening.
As a child we always had French Bread and a Salad when we had Spaghetti. With David, Charlie and I we just have Spaghetti and Garlic Bread at times I miss the Salad. Do you make Spaghetti? If so what do you serve with it and why?
Here is a question for you. Did you know the origins of Spaghetti are disputed? Whether it was Marco Polo bringing back a culinary invention from the East, and Arab trade-route delicacy, or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century. We can all agree that a cold night with a big bowl of Spaghetti is goodness is balm for the soul.
History of National Spaghetti Day
Did you know Pasta is essentially made with four ingredients? Water, Eggs, Wheat, and Salt. The first dish made from Pasta was in Sicily, dating back to 1154. According to historians, this recipe was different from the Pasta that we know today, which resembled Lasagna more. Another significant difference was that it was cooked differently. That being said, there is no evidence of Pasta after this, up until the 14th Century. Isn’t that crazy?
Another element that baffles historians is the exact origin of modern Pasta. Which is believed to have originated in Italy, but many are of the consensus that Marco Polo was the one to bring Pasta back from his adventures in China, thus making China the original creator of Pasta.
Either way, after Pasta made its way to Italy, the locals started making Pasta from hard Wheat shaped into elongated strands. This is where modern-day Spaghetti comes from, although the original was closer to Vermicelli in terms of texture.
The word ‘Spaghetti’ is derived from the word ‘Spago,’ meaning twine or string. Just like in Italy, Spaghetti is cooked around the world to “al dente,” which means that it is just soft enough to be bitten into easily, and quite chewy.
Because of the chewy texture that is soft but firm, Spaghetti can easily handle Tomato Sauce. Did you know most Spaghetti dishes are tossed in Meaty Tomato Sauce, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese.
National Spaghetti Day Activities
- While you’re prepping your Noodles for dinner, instead of biting into one to see if it’s done which could be hot. Try throwing a few Noodles strands against the wall. If they stick, they’re done!
- Host a Spaghetti around the world party including Italian, or Chinese, even Indian cuisine can play with Spaghetti and make the comfort food classic an international show-stopper. Go beyond Sauce and Meatballs to include Nuts, Vegetables and Spices to take a trip without leaving your house.
- I have another question for you. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to make your own Spaghetti? You don’t need a fancy Pasta-maker—a rolling pin and knife might work just as well. Or spiralize Carrots and Beets to add color to you Spaghetti bowl.
Facts About Spaghetti
As part of April Fools Day, the B.B.C. had a broadcast convincing their audience that Spaghetti grows on Trees. Isn’t that crazy?
Spaghetti is called Spaghetto in the plural form.
Italians never use a spoon when eating Spaghetti only forks will do and no, no knives either.
Italian Spaghetti is typically made from Durum Wheat Semolina.
Thomas Jefferson was the first person to bring Spaghetti to the U.S. I wish he was here so we could thank him. Don’t you?
Why People Love National Spaghetti Day
When done right, Spaghetti can be healthy, just look for Whole Grains and a short ingredient list. Toss with fresh and roasted Vegetables, Herbs and a splash of Olive Oil and you have a tasty meal full of complex carbs and vitamins.
Spaghetti can be fun when we cut it up, twirl it, pick it up with our fingers, or we use a fork and spoon. There are just so many ways to get the Spaghetti from the plate into your mouth. Which means Spaghetti can be an easy go-to meal for the busy family that is short on time and big on family meals.
A rich, thick Tomato Sauce, Seafood Stew, a garlicky-Cream Sauce, or simply mixed with Butter, Salt and Parmesan Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect backdrop for all sorts of toppings and flavors. Then, there is the Spaghetti itself, handmade or out of the box, made from Durum Wheat or Brown Rice, plain or Spinach. We could go on for a while!
In our home when making Spaghetti we usually purchase Frozen Meatballs but I thought it might be fun to make Homemade Meatballs today to add to the Hamburger and Italian Sausage we use when making Spaghetti. Along with Prego with Mini Meatballs/
Recipe for Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Beef ie Hamburger Meat
- 1 pound Italian Sausage
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped which I only put in half the Meatballs because neither Charlie or David like Onions
- 1-1/3 cups soft Bread Crumbs you can purchase here or make your own
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning or you can use Spices you choose.
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, crumble Beef and Italian Sausage. Add Eggs, Water, Onion, Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic and Seasonings; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place Meatballs on greased racks in shallow baking pans. Bake, uncovered, until no longer pink, 15-18 minutes.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
