BOURBON HAM BALLS

Bourbon Ham Balls image

Grandma Nette was the queen of ham ball recipes. I make them salty-sweet with a bourbon and vinegar kick. Serve them alone, in a sandwich or over pasta or rice. -Kimla Carsten, Grand Junction, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 1h25m

Yield about 3-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

2 pounds fully cooked boneless ham
1 thick boneless pork loin chop (8 ounces)
1/2 pound bacon strips
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 cup 2% milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Oil for frying
SAUCE:
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup bourbon
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard

Steps:

Cut ham, pork chop and bacon into 1-in. pieces; arrange in a single layer in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. pan. Freeze 30 minutes or until partially frozen., Preheat oven to 350°. Transfer meat to a food processor in batches; pulse until coarsely ground, 20-24 pulses. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, milk and eggs. Add meat mixture; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., In a large skillet, heat 1/4 in. oil over medium heat. Add ham balls in batches; cook 3-4 minutes or until cooked through, turning occasionally. Remove from pan; drain on paper towels., In a large bowl, whisk sauce ingredients; reserve 1 cup for serving. Add ham balls to sauce, a few at a time, allowing ham balls to soak 1-2 minutes. Transfer ham balls to a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 15-20 minutes or until heated through, brushing occasionally with remaining sauce from soaking. Serve with reserved sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 138 calories, Fat 8 g fat (2 g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27 mg cholesterol, Sodium 276 mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9 g carbohydrate (8 g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 6 g protein.