Thanksgiving Stuff Meatballs

About two months ago I checked out Practical Paleo from my local library and I have been renewing it ever since.  I use it every so often to try a new recipe and today I did just that.  Luckily, this recipe is also on the author's website so you don't have to run out and get the book or anything.  I thought Thanksgiving Stuffing Meatballs sounded like an intriguing food item since I can't have stuffing anymore and I rarely make meatballs anymore since I want oatmeal in my meatballs.  But I am always on the lookout for new meatball recipes since I really do like them; it just that there's no substitute for my comfort food turkey meatballs that I have been eating for 32 years.  Anyway...on with the blog post.  

Here is my mess complete with celery, carrots and onion.  I did this while my meat was defrosting.  I also made the seasoning that is suggested by the recipe author.  I made half a batch of seasoning and used it all, not really measuring it.

Here is the stuffing type mixture that you cook.  It is the celery, carrots, and onion mixture added with pecans.  This cooked for about 15 minutes.  

Here are my meatballs before cooking.  The recipe didn't say anything about spraying the pan so I did anyway.  It doesn't matter if the meatballs are touching either...they don't really stick to each other.  

Here are my finished meatballs.  They tasted pretty good but were somewhat bland; they just needed some kick or something.  Of course they were dry so next time I might add some water.  I also say 'of course they were dry' because there was no gravy or sauce for them.  The recipe pairs them with a cranberry sauce that I can't eat right now.  Gravy is also a little tricky to consume so I usually just stay away from it.  I would probably make these again sometime but hopefully I can find a little dipping sauce or something for them.  I was glad I had time to try this new recipe and I really enjoyed the crunch of the pecans.