Double Cheese Meatballs Two Ways

Ingredients (22)

• FOR THE MEATBALLS:
• 2 slices bread
• 1/4-1/2 cup milk
• 1 pound ground beef (not too lean 85%)
• 1 small onion minced
• 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1-2 dashes black pepper
• 21 small pieces cheese (firm mozzarella, gruyere or fontina)
• EXTRAS:
• 1/4-1/2 cup bread crumbs (if making appetizer meatballs)
• TOMATO SAUCE:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 15 ounce can pelati (peeled) tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil or 4-5 fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1-2 dashes black pepper or hot pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup water