Linguine All'Amatriciana with Spicy Mozzarella and Provolone Meatballs

Fancy-smanshy spaghetti and meatballs... I cannot take credit for this recipe. I got it from foodnetwork.com. The original recipe is for Bucatini Allamatriciana withSpicy Smoked Mozzarella Meatballs.

I used ground pork, as pork is so much cheaper in Hawaii than any other meat. And, living on a budget with only the post commissary to shop at, I also lacked the smoked mozzarella. I just mixed in a handful of shredded Italian blend (mozzarella and provolone) into the meatball mix.

I have the pickiest of eaters in my son. His go-to favorites are macaroni-and-cheese and chicken nuggets. I can, occasionally persuade him to eat other types of pasta. But when he saw the bowl on the dinner table, he said, "I don't like that," pointing at the meatballs, "I like pas-ghetti."

I told him, "They taste like a hamburger. Try one," and, to my surprise, he did. Then he proceeded to pick them out of his own plate and ask for more. Three times!