Merry Christmas from Sunny Southern California

The whole Fuji Mama clan is now in Southern California visiting my parents. Out of 18 hours of total traveling time, Squirrel slept a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes. That being said, she was completely happy the entire time. However, despite the wonderful fact that she was happy the entire time, we had to keep up with her the entire time. By the time we got to California, Hubby and I were exhausted. But we are happy to be here and having a wonderful time! Tonight was a big family party. My great-grandmother Tutu (that’s what everyone called her–Tutu is Hawaiian for “grandmother”) used to have a huge Christmas party every year at her house, and Santa Claus always came and handed out presents. This year my extended family decided to revive that tradition (my great-grandmother passed away when I was a teenager). Santa brought Squirrel a Cabbage Patch doll. This is very appropriate (see this post), and she immediately began bonding with her “mini me”.

Another of my Tutu’s traditions at her Christmas party was to serve Swedish meatballs. Unfortunately I failed to take a picture of them tonight at the party, but they were delicious! If you get a craving for Swedish meatballs, try these out!

Tutu’s Swedish Meatballs

Combine and beat until soft:
– 3/4 cup milk
– 3/4 cup Pepperidge Farm fine seasoned crumbs
– 2 beaten eggs.

Combine:
– 1 pound sausage (cook slightly and drain fat)
– 1 pound ground veal
– 1 pound ground lean beef

Add to crumb mixture. Then add:
– 2 small onions, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon ground sage
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon course pepper

Wet hands and shape meatballs. Cook well in frying pan, turning frequently.

Sauce

Combine:
– 1 large can evaporated milk
– 1 large (16 oz.) container sour cream
– 3 cans undiluted cream of mushroom soup

Cook:
– 4 or 5 oz. wide noodles with
– 1 teaspoon vegetable oil on top (keeps from spilling over)
Drain and add to sauce. Cover bottom of 13×9-inch baking dish with half of the sauce. Add meatballs. Cover with remaining sauce. Bake at 350-degrees Farhenheit for 30 minutes or until heated through.

May freeze ahead of time.
* For quicker version, use frozen premade meatballs.

Merry Christmas!