Mushroom-Sweet Potato "Meat"balls

...with spaghetti! Plus Hamentashen cookies and floral thank you cards.

Hi friends,

As I write this, it’s snowing again in Madison. Even if I wish it were spring already, it’s so pretty, it’s hard not to love. As I sit upstairs at my painting table, I’m eye-to-eye with an evergreen Spruce tree that’s being dusted in white.

In case anyone else is feeling overwhelmed by life, the news, etc…may I suggest painting a floral card and mailing it to someone? Calms your day, brightens their day, and spreads a little creativity into the world! I just posted a video on TikTok + Instagram (@theforestfeast on both) about painting the snapdragon card below. It’s from a tutorial in The Watercolor Feast.

We are dressing up in costumes this weekend to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim. Every year we make hamentaschen cookies (they represent the triangle hat worn by one of the characters in the story told on this holiday). This year I am using the Jewish Food Society recipe for hamentaschen — I love their beautiful cookbook, The Jewish Holiday Table.

As it is the first Friday of the month, I have my special recipe for paid subscribers. I can’t even believe how many of you are joining this creative culinary community and I am so grateful.

Mushroom-Sweet Potato “Meat”balls

This is an easy vegetarian weeknight meal and components of it can easily be made ahead. Spaghetti and veggie meatballs are a go-to in our house. I often buy the Impossible or Beyond meatballs or the plant-based frozen ones from Trader Joe’s. This recipe ups the nutrition and taste factors! The ground “meat” is mixed with sautéed onions, sweet potato, garlic and mushrooms — then fried into balls.

Some criticize meat imitation products for being too processed. I understand the argument, but still think it’s a great alternative. I also make meatballs with lentils (see Forest Feast Mediterranean), which are definitely less processed, however my kids won’t eat them. These ones below are great in the rotation, a good source of plant-based protein and approved by my children!

Sending calming vibes to all of you this weekend and thank you for following along!

xx

Erin

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Mushroom-Sweet Potato “Meat”balls

makes about 16 balls, serving about 4 people

Ingredients: