The key to making these meatballs is to brown them first in a skillet and then braise them in a sauce of red wine and tomatoes. Serve them with crusty bread or spaghetti to sop up the sauce.
Once you try these mini-sized calzones, you may never go back to the large ones. Not only do these pretty bites take advantage of convenient refrigerator crescent rolls, but they can be made ahead and popped in the oven right before company arrives.
Honey-Orange Pork Tenderloin proves itself as an elegant main dish for company but still simple enough for a weeknight meal. For an easy side, steam 1 pound halved Brussels sprouts for 4 minutes; pat dry. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons olive oil and sprouts; sauté 6 minutes.
Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs) make a terrific party snack. These meatballs have a sweet glaze of mirin, soy, and ginger. Look for flat skewers at Asian markets, or use two skewers for each group of meatballs so they'll turn easier.
