SWEETIE MEATBALLS IN APRICOT SAUCE

Sweetie Meatballs in Apricot Sauce image

Provided by tara portee

Categories Pork

Time 1h5m

Yield 56 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb ground beef
1 lb pork sausage
2 1/2 cups crushed butter flavored crackers (like RITZ)
1 small white onion, chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
6 ounces dried apricots (about 1 cup firmly packed)
2 cups hot water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
2 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

Place the apricots in a dish; pour the 2 cups hot water over them to completely cover.
Allow them to soak for at least 2 hours or overnight.
To make meatballs, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In a bowl mix together all the meatball ingredients.
Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls and put on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until meatballs are browned.
Put the cooked meatballs into a baking dish and hold to the side.
While the meatballs are cooking place the apricots along with the water they have been soaking in, into a sauce pan.
Add the two cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat, cover and simmer until the apricots are soft, about 15 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon sticks.
Put the mixture (including the water the apricots are cooking in) into a blender or food processor, add the sugar and ginger and blend until smooth. (make sure you remove the center cap of the mixer since the sauce will be hot).
Pour the apricot sauce over the meatballs and bake uncovered for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven.