A PAMA A Day

This weekend was a major foodfest in my kitchen.  I did my usual weekend cooking thing since I don’t have time to cook much during the week.  In addition to that, I cooked for two guest posts and for a contest through PAMA Liqueur.

PAMA is having a contest on Facebook from now until December 16 for the best recipe using their pomegranate liqueur.

I love a culinary challenge, so I had to see what I could come up with.  Right off the bat I opted to make an entree.  Dessert, while delicious, is a pretty obvious choice for the contest and I wanted to shake things up! So I turned to a classic (spaghetti and meatballs) and jazzed it up a little.  I made PAMA-infused tomato sauce (think a twist on a sweeter tomato sauce made with red wine) and rosemary-pomegranate turkey meatballs.

SPAMAghetti and Meatballs

For the sauce:

• 2 15oz. cans whole tomatoes
• 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoon parsley
• 1 c. PAMA liqueur

In a large pot, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, oregano, and parsley. Simmer, stirring occasionally. After 40 minutes, stir in the PAMA liqueur (saving 1 teaspoon for the meatballs). Simmer for another 20-30 minutes.

While the sauce simmers, make the meatballs.

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb. turkey beef
• 3/4 cups bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• Seeds from 1/2 pomegranate
• Fresh rosemary, about 3 sprigs

In a bowl, combine the turkey beef, pomegranate seeds, rosemary, breadcrumbs, egg, plus 1 teaspoon PAMA liqueur, and form into small balls.

Fry the meatballs in a skillet until cooked through. While the meatballs are cooking, boil water in a large pot and cook 1 lb. whole wheat spaghetti.

Place the spaghetti and meatballs in a serving dish. Spoon the sauce over the pasta and enjoy!

I was actually surprised at how tasty this is.  The rosemary and pomegranate are a winning combination and the liqueur brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes.

Of course while I cooked I made myself a PAMAtini with vodka and PAMA.

(Did you really think there wasn’t going to be drinking involved?)

If you like this, please vote for me on Facebook! Voting is open to the public on the PAMA fan page for one month. You can vote once a day (if you’re a compulsive Facebook checker like myself).  You’ll find me listed as “SPAMAghetti and Meatballs.”  Thanks, everyone!