Delicate Moose

Aroostook's Note:

I know, I know -- you think of moose as a tough critter -- long muscular legs, beady little eyes, and with those antlers (horns we call 'em) able to handle himself in the rough and tumble. Well, let me tell ya -- they're as nice an animal as you'll ever meet --- sweet -- tender -- and downright delicate as this recipe shows (Sorry PETA =) This recipe's for Laudee -- who is still trying to figure out how I make moose strips =0

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 ½ lbs ground moose
• 1 (30 count) package saltine crackers , finely crushed
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 eggs , beaten
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
• 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 quart tomato sauce or 1 quart tomato juice

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F Grease two baking sheets Mix first eight ingredients.
2. Shape meat into meatballs Place meatballs on baking sheets Bake for 15 minutes in oven.
3. (The cheese may ooze out a bit…it’s no biggie) Pour sauce/juice and broth into a (crock) pot and heat Remove meatballs from baking sheet and place gently in sauce.
4. Simmer until meatballs are cooked through.
5. Baste the top meatballs if needed.
6. (Do NOT stir or you will have moose mush…. not a pretty sight!) Serve on rice, noodles or on mashed potatoes.
7. Be sure to have some bread on hand to sop up the sauce.
8. (I don’t add salt to this recipe as the saltines, soup and sauce/juice have salt added. Personal preference.) This one’s for you, Laudee.