Smoky Turkey Meatballs with Cilantro Aioli

As much as I love entertaining friends for dinner, I'm the first to admit that it's not without its challenges. And when the kids are coming, too, it can get even more complicated! From picky eaters to naturally sensitive younger palates, it can be tough to figure out what to serve so that everyone — both young and old — is happy.

The trick to creating a crowd-pleasing dish is to think about the everyday dishes your kids already love, then add a twist to the dish you choose that makes it festive enough for a party. Whether that means making a homemade chimichurri dip to serve with crispy chicken tenders or baking their favorite mac & cheese recipe into mini muffin tins, it’s all about having fun and adding a touch of creativity.

In fact, my own favorite kid-friendly appetizer recipe was actually inspired by an unlikely source–celebrity mom Jessica Alba!

You might already know that after the birth of her first child, Honor, the actress reinvented herself as an entrepreneur and lifestyle maven offering practical tips and advice for creating a safe and healthy home for our families. She started the Honest Company, which creates and sells natural organic household and beauty products, and she even wrote a book about the topic called The Honest Life.

Jessica's philosophy is one that every mom can get behind; she preaches living a life that's as natural as possible, but without the preachy perfection of some other lifestyle gurus. It's real, it's relaxed, and it's totally doable.

About a year ago, I spotted a TV interview with her where she said that easy healthy turkey meatballs are her weekly go-to. She shared her recipe, and explained that instead of making dinner every night, she likes to make a big batch on the weekend to serve throughout the week with different sides. Everyone loves them, so dinnertime is a breeze, and it leaves her more time to enjoy with her kids and husband.

With this in mind, I created my own turkey meatball recipe to use when entertaining. These Smokey Turkey Meatballs have bold Latin flavor, and kids will love dipping them into the creamy aioli.

The best part? Just like with Jessica's recipe, you can make these ahead of time, and then reheat just before the guests arrive—leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy with your family and friends. Because that is what entertaining is really about. 

Smoky Turkey Meatballs with Cilantro Aioli

• 3 pounds lean ground turkey (organic, if possible)
• 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (unseasoned)
• 1 small white onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 1 small clove garlic
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, roots and rough ends trimmed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon sweet smoked spanish paprika (do not use the “hot” variety)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

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