What's Cookin' in the Jackson Kitchen?

Often, because of my ridiculous schedule, dinner for this family is nothing less than a Crap Shoot. Best thing about that is Shane and/or McKenna. If they know that my day has been the day from HECK, they, or at least one of them, starts supper for the starving Jackson boys. When mommy and daddy are tired and Tee is at FHE, the shop, or the movies----Joe and Jake are happy because it means we venture over to "Jackson's Cereal Buffet," their favorite restaurant.

Well, tonight was an exception to the rule. Tonight, mommy got home earlier than daddy and began perusing the recipes in my brain when a Subway commercial came on the TV. Jared "Whoever" showing the world how he has lost weight eating a sub a day---whatever! Anyway, it made me think of the Subway Meatball Sandwich and the light went on. The lovely, hot Mr. Jackson came up behind me, kissed me on the neck--which he knows I just can't resist and said, "Whatcha doin?"

I turned around, looked deep into his beautiful blue eyes and whispered in his ear, "Let's run away from home."

"Where we gonna go?" asked this gorgeous man of mine.

"I don't know. I just wanna be with you. And by the way, we need to pick up hoagie buns and beer."

The look on his face would have made butter melt.

(Little side note: Sometimes in January and February, when the year-end audits are going on at YLEO, Shane gets a little stressed out. He watches spreadsheets on his computer. He can't think. He doesn't listen. He doesn't talk. He retains nothing if it doesn't have to do with accounts payable or receivable. He pulls his head into his International Controller shell and stays there. So about the end of February, since I am such a patient, subservient, quiet, understanding, long-suffering wife, I start FREAKING out. I am sure, in the caverns of his memory, his past life of about 15 years ago probably seems a lot easier with a whole lot less responsibility. I am sure in his quiet moments, he probably likes to sit back and visit those less sober days.)

I turned around to see if he was in agreement with my little shopping idea but he was gone. "Shane?"

Then I heard it. The whining of the F150 in my driveway---no, not whining---but engine revving---with my calm, sweet husband in the driver's seat, yelling out the window, "Come on, baby" even before I could get my other shoe on. "What the heck did he think I was talking about? Perhaps he misunderstood my reason for that short but sweet little grocery list. It has been a very long couple of months. I'm thinking, as I RUN to the truck, "Maybe I better explain myself before he has a stroke."

"Shane, remember last Tuesday night when we met at the Stake Center and sat in front of the member of the Stake Presidency and got our Temple Recommends signed? I don't know about you but I answered a lot of questions in the affirmative and I'm not going to support you in what I think it is you are thinking. ARE YOU NUTS??"
To which, he just smiled!! (Get thee behind me......)

Well, long story---short---we ran away to Macey's in Pleasant Grove and he raced me to the soft drinks and beer aisle. I've never really cared what brand of beer I cook with but to Shane, it is like a step back in time. He puts on his glasses, holds the cans, one by one, up to the light, reads the label, wipes his mouth on his shirt sleeve, cries a little----I digress!!

Just kidding!! Isn't he cute though?

Anyway, if you want a wonderful, quick dinner and don't mind cooking with spirits, (remember, the alcohol cooks out when you boil it), I thought I would share......

Drunken Meatball Subs

24-30 Italian Meatballs (from Costco)

1/4 C. Butter

1 Onion, chopped

3 Garlic Cloves, chopped

1/3-1/2 C. Brown Sugar

2 envelopes Golden Onion Soup

2-12 oz. cans of Beer (You choose the brand cuz I don't care!)

6-8 slices Swiss or Mozzarella Cheese

A little more soft Butter

6-8 Hoagie Buns

On medium heat, saute chopped onions and garlic in butter until onions are clear, tender and begging for more. (Can't you just smell that?? Makin' me drool!) Stir in one can of beer, the brown sugar and dry onion soup mix. Add the meatballs, (they can be added frozen--the "hot, now non-alcoholic" beer makes them defrost real fast.) Pour the other beer over the top and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and allow this panful of wonderfulness to simmer about 30 minutes. The sauce thickens just perfectly. Should be a golden color. Turn the oven on "Broil" and take out your broiler pan-or a cookie sheet. Open the hoagie buns and carefully ladle 4-5 meatballs with the sauce onto the bottom half of each lightly buttered bun. Cut the slice of cheese in half and lay the 2 halves over the top of the meatballs. Lightly butter the top half and leave it on the pan and put all into the oven, under the broiler, for about a minute. Watch them carefully so they don't burn. (What a waste, that would be!) Take out of the oven and put the top half of the bun over the beautifully melted, cheesy meatballs. (Don't forget to turn the oven off.)

Serve on a plate with some chips and a pickle.

I guarantee....

you will get the look, from your favorite fella, that could melt butter.

ENJOY!!