Simple Meatballs
["1 lb. not-too-lean ground beef", "3/4 cup day-old Italian bread, crust removed and discarded, and crumb shredded", "Milk (you'll want to have a pint handy)", "1 large egg, or two small ones", "1/4 cup minced parsley", "Healthy pinch of nutmeg or other ground spice (optional)", "1/4 cup olive oil", "Bread crumbs for rolling the meatballs (optional)"]
["Soak the bread in milk so it is thoroughly wet.", "Drain well, squeezing it gently to remove most of the milk (you want the crumbs moist but not dripping).", "Combine the crumbs with the ground meat, egg, minced parsley, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.", "Knead the mixture well.", "Then shape into as many balls about an inch in diameter.", "If you like, roll them in bread crumbs (optional).", "Set a large skillet to heat with oil, and add the meatballs.", "Cook, stirring, over medium heat until they are browned on all sides, then pour in half cup or slightly more milk.", "Partially cover and simmer the meatballs until they are done and the sauce is considerably thickened.", "Serve, spooning the sauce over the meatballs, with salad, spinach, mashed potatoes or pasta."]
["ground beef", "Italian bread", "Milk", "egg", "parsley", "nutmeg", "olive oil", "Bread crumbs"]