Today's Tip: November Recipe #11 - Appetizer Meatballs!

For some reason there are certain recipes I only make around the holidays, and today's recipe for Appetizer Meatballs is one of those. My family loves the holiday season for many reasons, and one of them is that I'm motivated to make these meatballs!  These are great for party appetizers, or you can also serve them with a meal.  Spoon them over over brown rice or quinoa, add some green beans or other favorite veggie (like one of those cauliflower side dishes I posted earlier this week) and you have a great meal!

Another idea? Double the recipe and freeze the other half.  When freezing, lay them out on a cookie sheet and freeze.  After they are frozen, transfer to a Ziploc bag or Tupperware container. This prevents the meatballs from sticking together when freezing.



Appetizer Meatballs

1 pound extra-lean ground beef

½ cup soft whole wheat breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons chopped green pepper

2 tablespoons skim milk

1 teaspoon low-sodium Worcestershire sauce

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

Olive Oil cooking spray

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch

¼ cup water

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

¼ cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon peeled, minced ginger*

⅛ teaspoon garlic powder

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well.  Shape mixture into 42 1” meatballs.  Arrange meatballs on rack of a broiler pan coated with cooking spray.  Broil 5½ inches from heat 10 minutes or until browned, turning frequently. (Note: if freezing a batch to use later, freeze now before you add them to the sauce.)

Combine cornstarch and water in large saucepan.  Add brown sugar and remaining ingredients; stir well.  Place over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Reduce heat and simmer 3-5 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly.  Add meatballs, stirring to coat.  Transfer to a serving platter or crock-pot and serve warm. 

Yield:  3½ dozen meatballs

*You can use ground ginger but the flavor will not be as bold.  Fresh ginger truly gives this recipe a unique flavor!  If you aren't familiar with fresh ginger, here is a picture!  Look for it in your grocery store produce section.