Pasta Personality

One of my favorite Italian restaurants is Carrabba’s Italian Grill. We have one about twenty minutes away and if we have a special occasion to celebrate, I'm the first one to suggest we go to Carrabba's. My husband enjoys the chicken dishes. My favorite would be the Spiedino Di Mare which is shrimp and sea scallops coated with Italian breadcrumbs, grilled and topped with lemon butter sauce. I get the mashed potatoes and Caesar salad and tap my foot the whole time I eat. Yum!

Today I took the Carrabba's Personality Quiz. Am I spicy? Warm? Unique? Here's my Pasta Personality:

Carrabba’s Tag Pic Pac is a classic with a tasty twist, perfect for someone who likes to put their own twist on things! You’re vivacious with zest for life. And since you like everything in life to be full-flavored, you wont be let down when you taste this tagliarini pasta with Picchi Pacchiu sauce.

I haven't yet tried that dish, so I must next time we visit. Ready to take your own test? Here's a link to the quiz: http://www.facebook.com/Carrabbas?sk=app_142632109083371

Here is a recipe for my special homemade meatballs. I never did like to buy the pre-made meatballs, so I came up with my own recipe. I serve these over whole wheat spaghetti with fresh parmesan. Not quite Carrabba's, but pretty good, if I do say so myself!

4 bread slices 1/2 c. water
2 eggs, stirred
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. parsley (or dried parsley flakes)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Dash pepper

Soak bread slices in water 2-3 minutes. Add eggs. Mix. Mix into ground beef and rest of ingredients.

With damp hands, form meat mixture into meatballs. I like to spread the balls out on a broiler pan so when they bake, some of the grease bakes out, but you can use a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Turn. Continue to bake until browned, approximately 5-10 minutes. Drain.

Add meatballs to favorite sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over spaghetti. Top with freshly grated Parmesan.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Carrabba’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here. They also have some limited time offers. Carrabba’s Signature Pasta Meals and New Limited Time Offers - Signature Pasta Meals, featuring seven distinctive dishes served with choice of soup or fresh salad starting at $10. There’s no better place than Carrabba’s to enjoy a complete Italian meal – any day of the week.

Image: Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

*UPDATE: 6-20-11: Just got word that I'll be receiving a gift card! Woohoo! Thanks, Carrabba's!