We are having a super rainy day here in the Monterey, CA area. In fact, I was supposed to work at Talbots this afternoon, but got a call from my boss that the Plaza where the shop is located had lost power, and so there would be no work today as all businesses were closed. As soon as I put the phone down and did my happy dance, I immediately logged on too The Pioneer Woman website to see what she had been cooking for dinner. Italian Meatball Soup. Now, that is just the perfect sounding recipe for a day such as the one we are having. So I decided to make it too.
I stopped at the market on the way home from my morning job and assembled the ingredients on my kitchen counter. It took no time at all to mix the meatball ingredients together. Pioneer Woman doesn't like meat under her fingernails, so she uses a spoon for mixing. A little meat here and there doesn't trouble me, so I used my hands. It was pretty cold on the fingers, but with a bit of hot water afterward, it all comes off.
So, here are my meatballs, waiting to be browned. Can you see the flecks of Parmesan and parsley? Yum.
Have any of you watched the Food Network show called Worst Cooks in America? My husband refuses to watch it, but Ahren and I are drawn to it like those who can't avert their eyes from a train wreck. The show's premise is that Chefs Anne Burrell and Beau MacMillan will take a group of dismal cooks and turn them into cooking dynamos. How is it working? Oh dear. These poor sad sacks don't have a clue. One guy chopped garlic for his dish and included all the garlic papery skins in the broth. Yummo. Wouldn't you think that would be intuitive not to do that? Like a basic first question in cooking is "is it edible?". None of these characters seems able to follow written or verbal directions. And their awareness of basic kitchen hygiene is negligible. One gal had to be told maybe five times that she needs to wash her hands after handling raw poultry…You think she could get that through her head? Despite repeated ridicule and humiliation? Nope. Dream on.
A key tenant of cooking is reading a recipe through from start to finish before plunging in. So basic. The guy who got halfway through his dish and got to the part where it said "add the roasted and peeled red peppers"? Oh yeah. What a DUH moment. Roasted and peeled red peppers? When was that supposed to happen? It is so fun to shout at the contenders while they cook. "You forgot to salt the pasta water Dumb A–!"
I'd show you a picture of my finished soup, but I forgot to take a picture. Check out Pioneer Woman, she explains it all way better than I do! It was a perfect dish for a cold rainy night and kinda fun to make too. Trust me, it was better than the Worst Cooks could do.
40 responses to “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs”
Hey Nicole,
I watched that show for the first time this weekend. I was amazed at their lack of basic cooking skills. Didn’t those folks have home economics in school, lol?!?
How did the soup turn out?
Hey Nicole,
I watched that show for the first time this weekend. I was amazed at their lack of basic cooking skills. Didn’t those folks have home economics in school, lol?!?
How did the soup turn out?
You know its drizzly here too…I think I’ll make DH’s fav Italian Wedding Soup, which is essentially meatball soup with endive.
You know its drizzly here too…I think I’ll make DH’s fav Italian Wedding Soup, which is essentially meatball soup with endive.
I would kill to be a contestant on Worst Cooks. I’m sure there is a lot I could learn as I am a self taught cook (Mom never really had the time to show me – anything).
I would kill to be a contestant on Worst Cooks. I’m sure there is a lot I could learn as I am a self taught cook (Mom never really had the time to show me – anything).
Actually, when writing a recipe, you’re supposed to start with the first step and proceed. In the case of the roasted pepper guy, the recipe should have told him in step 1 to roast and peel him some peppers.
Actually, when writing a recipe, you’re supposed to start with the first step and proceed. In the case of the roasted pepper guy, the recipe should have told him in step 1 to roast and peel him some peppers.
I also have been watching “Worst Cooks” and cringing. Yee, gods! What *do* those people eat? Re: the soup: looks good, but my fave is Italian Wedding Soup. I have made both Ina’s and Rachel’s and infinitely prefer Rachels. Very yummo. Enjoy your time off.
I also have been watching “Worst Cooks” and cringing. Yee, gods! What *do* those people eat? Re: the soup: looks good, but my fave is Italian Wedding Soup. I have made both Ina’s and Rachel’s and infinitely prefer Rachels. Very yummo. Enjoy your time off.
Yea! Hot soup and a free sewing afternoon!!!!
Yea! Hot soup and a free sewing afternoon!!!!
I have yet to try a bad recipe from The Pioneer Woman, and that soup looks delicious! Too bad my darling daughter won’t eat “spherical meat.”
I have yet to try a bad recipe from The Pioneer Woman, and that soup looks delicious! Too bad my darling daughter won’t eat “spherical meat.”
Mmmm that sounds so good! I will have to get out my Pioneer Woman cookbook and whip up a batch:) (cute title for your post)
Mmmm that sounds so good! I will have to get out my Pioneer Woman cookbook and whip up a batch:) (cute title for your post)
Nicole, you work with the public, you know common sense isn’t so common 😉
Nicole, you work with the public, you know common sense isn’t so common 😉
I’ve never heard of that show, but I fear they could film it here, I’m not much in the kitchen, luckily I have a husband who’s OK with plain food and leftovers.
So I guess you had a “rain day”, here we get “snow days” and I try to make them special, it’s always nice to make the most of an unexpected free day.
I’ve never heard of that show, but I fear they could film it here, I’m not much in the kitchen, luckily I have a husband who’s OK with plain food and leftovers.
So I guess you had a “rain day”, here we get “snow days” and I try to make them special, it’s always nice to make the most of an unexpected free day.
I too haver been watching “Worst Cooks” show on Food Network. Oh my…they seem to be getting better quickly, however. It rained here in Southern California also today. In fact, we even had a tornado warning in Long Beach of all places. It pouned rain and then abrubtly stopped and all drained away. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s storm.
I too haver been watching “Worst Cooks” show on Food Network. Oh my…they seem to be getting better quickly, however. It rained here in Southern California also today. In fact, we even had a tornado warning in Long Beach of all places. It pouned rain and then abrubtly stopped and all drained away. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s storm.
Sister:)
Hi, Sophia from Worst Cooks here. The woman who was told “5” times to wash her hands… It wasn’t 5 but that’s ok. All I have to say about that is… I am a hand washing crazy lady. I washed my hands multiple times during that segment especially after touching the chicken. I want to say in my defense that there’s a lot you didn’t get to see. In the same tone of common sense you speak about in the kitchen, you should know that there are hrs of filming shot and only minutes make it on to a tv show. I appreciate your opinion understand that this is your forum to say what you want, but before you make accusations and talk about “common sense” make sure you know what you’re talking about.
Sticks and stones Sister.
Nicole,
No I didn’t have Home Economics in school… they don’t offer that anymore. I was in HS during the 90’s. So they haven’t offered it for almost 14 years. Well I can say at least they don’t offer it in CO.
Linda,
I ate alot of McDonald’s, thus the reason I was fat, and wanted to be on the show to learn to cook. I never wanted to learn to cook as a child,teen or early 20 something. When I had my kids and realized arguing with my 3 year old about eating her chicken nuggets was not good I took a look in the mirror… I knew something need to change. My husband nominated me because he was tired of doing it all the time and knew I was interested in learning. Since the show I lost 40 lbs and pursuing a culinary arts as a career.
Thanks for watching! And THOSE MEATBALLS LOOK AMAZING!
Sincerely,
Sophia Ayala Gettys
Sister:)
Hi, Sophia from Worst Cooks here. The woman who was told “5” times to wash her hands… It wasn’t 5 but that’s ok. All I have to say about that is… I am a hand washing crazy lady. I washed my hands multiple times during that segment especially after touching the chicken. I want to say in my defense that there’s a lot you didn’t get to see. In the same tone of common sense you speak about in the kitchen, you should know that there are hrs of filming shot and only minutes make it on to a tv show. I appreciate your opinion understand that this is your forum to say what you want, but before you make accusations and talk about “common sense” make sure you know what you’re talking about.
Sticks and stones Sister.
Nicole,
No I didn’t have Home Economics in school… they don’t offer that anymore. I was in HS during the 90’s. So they haven’t offered it for almost 14 years. Well I can say at least they don’t offer it in CO.
Linda,
I ate alot of McDonald’s, thus the reason I was fat, and wanted to be on the show to learn to cook. I never wanted to learn to cook as a child,teen or early 20 something. When I had my kids and realized arguing with my 3 year old about eating her chicken nuggets was not good I took a look in the mirror… I knew something need to change. My husband nominated me because he was tired of doing it all the time and knew I was interested in learning. Since the show I lost 40 lbs and pursuing a culinary arts as a career.
Thanks for watching! And THOSE MEATBALLS LOOK AMAZING!
Sincerely,
Sophia Ayala Gettys
Okay, I haven’t watched Worst Cooks but I’ve seen the commercials and thought I might watch at some point. But I think that last comment was kind of weird, so I dunno. I have, though, gotten comments from people I’ve mentioned in my blog, so I guess people search for themselves–maybe I will too once I’m famous! Anyway, meatball soup sounds really good. I was thinking about making a batch of spaghetti sauce and meatballs over the weekend but soup sounded better so I went with cream of chicken with pasta–now you’ve given me something else to think about. After all, it’s not like the rain’s gonna stop anytime soon!
Okay, I haven’t watched Worst Cooks but I’ve seen the commercials and thought I might watch at some point. But I think that last comment was kind of weird, so I dunno. I have, though, gotten comments from people I’ve mentioned in my blog, so I guess people search for themselves–maybe I will too once I’m famous! Anyway, meatball soup sounds really good. I was thinking about making a batch of spaghetti sauce and meatballs over the weekend but soup sounded better so I went with cream of chicken with pasta–now you’ve given me something else to think about. After all, it’s not like the rain’s gonna stop anytime soon!
i usually skip food posts.. but your title got me! {it was my favorite book as a kid} 😉
i usually skip food posts.. but your title got me! {it was my favorite book as a kid} 😉
We’re having a rainy day today in Indiana. The soup you’re preparing is not one that I’m familiar with. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a great day.
We’re having a rainy day today in Indiana. The soup you’re preparing is not one that I’m familiar with. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a great day.
Hi Ladies and Gents. I am just learning how to find these pages. What a wonderful way to share. Thank you for watching Worst Cooks
Im happy to hear people like the show. I hope I can find this page again and continue learning tricks of the trade. I have gathered recipes from our local military, firefighters and police officers and put together a cook book to help the heroes. I have a over ten recipes of my own in there. You can get one at http://www.Helptheheroes.com
You can also donate if you don’t want a book. Have a great day and keep cooking.
Rebecca
Hi Ladies and Gents. I am just learning how to find these pages. What a wonderful way to share. Thank you for watching Worst Cooks
Im happy to hear people like the show. I hope I can find this page again and continue learning tricks of the trade. I have gathered recipes from our local military, firefighters and police officers and put together a cook book to help the heroes. I have a over ten recipes of my own in there. You can get one at http://www.Helptheheroes.com
You can also donate if you don’t want a book. Have a great day and keep cooking.
Rebecca
Thanks Mom!!! That was the best soup ever! I really enjoyed it and I’m going to make it for myself. It is a good recipe for people on a low-carb diet or something like a “paleo” diet, because it has a minimum of starch. I think there is only 1 cup of Russet potato in there.
How funny that the woman from the Food Network show made a comment here. I see it this way:
Those folks were paid to be on a show where they *knew* people would make fun of them. The contestants are essentially paid clowns. They may not wear red noses but they do have comic antics.
Each of them signed a contract agreeing to expose themselves to ridicule and humiliation on television. “Worst Cooks” is kind of the Food Network version of MTV’s “Jackass.” It is just people doing stupid things in the kitchen, instead of jumping off the roof with a skateboard. Regardless of what people may think about Reality Television, that’s a great business model: Viewers can sit at home and go, “Well, I’m no chef, but dayum! Even I wouldn’t do THAT. LOL!”
So, I’m sure Soiphia from the show was paid quite well for her troubles. The way I see it, the clown has the last laugh: I bet she is laughing all the way to the bank!
Thanks Mom!!! That was the best soup ever! I really enjoyed it and I’m going to make it for myself. It is a good recipe for people on a low-carb diet or something like a “paleo” diet, because it has a minimum of starch. I think there is only 1 cup of Russet potato in there.
How funny that the woman from the Food Network show made a comment here. I see it this way:
Those folks were paid to be on a show where they *knew* people would make fun of them. The contestants are essentially paid clowns. They may not wear red noses but they do have comic antics.
Each of them signed a contract agreeing to expose themselves to ridicule and humiliation on television. “Worst Cooks” is kind of the Food Network version of MTV’s “Jackass.” It is just people doing stupid things in the kitchen, instead of jumping off the roof with a skateboard. Regardless of what people may think about Reality Television, that’s a great business model: Viewers can sit at home and go, “Well, I’m no chef, but dayum! Even I wouldn’t do THAT. LOL!”
So, I’m sure Soiphia from the show was paid quite well for her troubles. The way I see it, the clown has the last laugh: I bet she is laughing all the way to the bank!
I haven’t seen the show yet and I’m surprised my son hasn’t told me about it (he’s a great cook, by necessity!). I do know how to read a recipe though and I can do pretty much all the things required…but I get busy doing other things (read: sewing) and forget I’m cooking. I had no idea I was cooking Cajun food for years! Blacked scrambled eggs anyone? yummo!
I haven’t seen the show yet and I’m surprised my son hasn’t told me about it (he’s a great cook, by necessity!). I do know how to read a recipe though and I can do pretty much all the things required…but I get busy doing other things (read: sewing) and forget I’m cooking. I had no idea I was cooking Cajun food for years! Blacked scrambled eggs anyone? yummo!
Hey again:)
Just an FYI, we didn’t get paid at all… well we got some nice knives! But it was an amazing expirience. I apoligize if I came of wrong in the post, it’s just that the hand washing thing hit a nerve with me, because I am aware how bad it looks.
I’m the first person in line to laugh at myself, but this is the first season of the show and the first for the network of it’s kind, so nobody knew what to expect.
Please forgive me, I have felt awful since posting it… I just felt like I had to defend myself. Stupid I know:( You have every right to your opinion and Ahren is right, if I’m signing up to be on tv, I should expect that I’m not going to love everything that people say. I’ve never been in this kind of position before so I didn’t know how to handle my frustration.
Keep on cooking and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sophia
Hey again:)
Just an FYI, we didn’t get paid at all… well we got some nice knives! But it was an amazing expirience. I apoligize if I came of wrong in the post, it’s just that the hand washing thing hit a nerve with me, because I am aware how bad it looks.
I’m the first person in line to laugh at myself, but this is the first season of the show and the first for the network of it’s kind, so nobody knew what to expect.
Please forgive me, I have felt awful since posting it… I just felt like I had to defend myself. Stupid I know:( You have every right to your opinion and Ahren is right, if I’m signing up to be on tv, I should expect that I’m not going to love everything that people say. I’ve never been in this kind of position before so I didn’t know how to handle my frustration.
Keep on cooking and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sophia
I bought the ingredients yesterday to make this soup. It looks so good. Was going to make it today, but my back is making cooking impossible. Maybe tomorrow.
I bought the ingredients yesterday to make this soup. It looks so good. Was going to make it today, but my back is making cooking impossible. Maybe tomorrow.