Is there a meal that just transports you to another time? Another place? A meal that has strong memories you cannot help but think of them upon first taste? For me, one of those meals would be my mom’s Swedish Meatballs. It is such a ridiculously easy recipe I have a difficult time even calling it a recipe. There really isn’t any cooking involved–just some assembling. I can see the appeal to a busy mom of 6 kids!! Every time I make this meal, I cannot help but remember the night before my sister’s wedding. I have no really memories of this dinner or after that night. I know it was always a dish I enjoyed but I don’t exactly know how it became my sister’s favorite meal.

April 10, 2003, was the night before my little sister’s wedding. She had been dating her guy since they were kids…seriously. They met early on in high school and started dating somewhere around age 14. They have been together for longer than they have ever been apart. They now have 3 of the most adorable children, rivaled only by my other nephews. Anywho…that night, Colleen wanted to have a special meal. She asked my mom to make the dinner she just LOVED. Swedish Meatballs…and for some reason she wanted them accompanied by party potatoes. Strange bedfellows no doubt. I remember the three of us eating in that third floor condo together–probably watching Friends or Will & Grace followed by Golden Girls as we often did.  Forever, Swedish Meatballs and the night before my sister wed will be connected…paired memories never to be separated.

That’s exactly why I told this story just yesterday.  A friend of mine wanted to learn to make something new.  I made a few suggestions and she settled on my mom’s Swedish Meatballs.  As we assembled the unbelievably easy dish, I told her about that night just over 11 years ago.  A smile crept onto my face as I remembered that happy day.  I recalled that yummy meal, my sister’s anticipation, and singing the Golden Girls song.  I couldn’t help but call my sister on the way home.  Thank you for being my friend.