Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Saucy Brunch Meatballs with Simmering Sauce

Brunches are popular in the summer months. Easy casual get togethers with friends and family. When I entertain like this, I try to get as many dishes as I can that can be made ahead, leaving me free to enjoy my guests. Here is a rather retro dish using an update on the "Chafing Dish Meatball" idea, tweaked by yours truly. These can be served on the side, or with rolls or tortillas to make pseudo meatball subs or burritos.

* Exported from MasterCook*

SAUCY BRUNCH MEATBALLS

Recipe By : Dawn and Sharon Larsen
Serving Size : 12
Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 lb. lean ground pork
1 lb. bulk pork sausage, good quality
1/4 cup dry -- flavored bread crumbs
3 cloves garlic -- crushed
1 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs -- slightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, or fresh, if using frozen, squeeze out as much liquid as humanly possible
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup olive oil

In large bowl, combine all ingredients, except oil. Mix well with hands to combine.With moistened hands, shape into meatballs 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Saute meatballs in skillet with oil until browned all over. Remove from skillet, add to simmering sauce for 30 minutes longer (recipe below). These hold nicely in a chafing dish, or the ever popular dust catcher, the crockpot. You could also substitute ground turkey for some or all of the pork, just be careful as to not let them overcook.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

* Exported from MasterCook*

Simmering Sauce

Recipe By : Dawn and Jan Emerson
Serving Size : 12
Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 ounces Jan's Thai BBQ Sauce
8 ounces Pineapple Salsa

Mix ingredients together in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and pour over prepared meatballs. If you like saucier meatballs, you may double the sauce recipe. You may refrigerate any leftover sauce to top on burgers, meat loaf, chicken, or even pizza.
Makes 2 cups, or if doubling 4 cups sauce.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -