Mom's Pork Meatballs: Getting Illustrated Recipe Details Just Right

Each custom illustrated recipe begins with storytelling. In the questionnaire, I ask about the history of the recipe, where it comes from, when / why you eat it, and any specific memories you have around this dish. Then I make a sketch and follow up with clarifying questions to make sure we get the details just right so it accurately reflects your family’s dish.

With Jedd’s blessing, I am sharing our process behind his mom’s Pork Meatballs.

Jedd’s Initial Recipe Information

“My Mom doesn’t know how her mom got this recipe but it’s her very favorite. She’s even had to prepare it for herself on birthdays or special events! There’s never enough sauce so don’t hesitate to double or triple it, the more the merrier!”

“Mom loves serving her pork meatballs in a ceramic bowl. The meatballs themselves are light brown with hints of orange (from the carrots). The sauce is a glaze (like teriyaki consistency) and the little specs of green onions are visible (but not a ton). Being in a bowl is important (lol). I've never seen it served another way except when I eat it out of a Tupperware for leftovers.”

My Sketch

I proposed the composition, colors, and personal elements, and asked Jedd a few questions to fill in the gaps.

Moms Pork Meatballs Sketch - 8 Aug 2019 - 5.57 PM.jpg

Questions:

What is the size and color of the ceramic bowl your mom usually serves these in?

[Jedd followed up with a photo of his mom’s ceramic bowl so I could match size and the flecks of brown, blue, and green.]

Are the meatballs completely spherical? Or are they flattened from the frying process?

“Spherical (and imperfect) but not flattened.”

I'd like to accent this recipe with typical decorations you'd have at celebrations where these meatballs are served to show it's a party dish and to add some color/vibrancy. Is the greenery I’ve drawn typical of decor you'd see at an occasion where these are served? If not, can you point me in the direction of what those decorations may be?

“I love this idea. These specific leaves are only used for major life events including graduation, weddings, and funerals. In Hawaii we LOVE leafy patterns. I picked two that are more appealing to Hawaii folk (pictures attached) vs. what you might find if you google "Hawaiian leaves". The stenciled, more minimalistic style is appreciated more than the touristy all-kinds-of-color approach.”

I found an image of what I imagine the meatballs look like with the sauce. Is it accurate?

“This is pretty darn good, especially for the meatballs. My Mom's sauce would have visible pieces of green onion in it which is an important ingredient and one I realized is missing from the sauce recipe I sent you, lol. It should be 5-6 stems of green onion (only the green parts) chopped.”