Spiced Apricot Meat Balls

Submitted by teresas

"This is out of my Party and Snack cookbook...prep time includes refrigeration time..."

 

• Ready In: 3hrs 30mins
• Ingredients: 17
• Yields: 20-25 meatballs
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 4 1⁄2 ounces dried apricots, diced
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 slice bread, crusts removed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 cup oil

• Apricot dipping sauce

• 3 ounces dried apricots, diced
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon teriyaki sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger juice

directions

1. Soak 4 1/2 oz diced apricots in the brandy for 1 hour.
2. Soak bread in 4 tablespoons of water, squeeze out water, set aside.
3. In a large bowl, place the ground beef, onion, bread, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and egg. Using hands, knead mixture until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
4. Remove meatball mixture from refrigerator. Take a heaped teaspoon of mixture and roll into a ball with wet hands. Flatten slightly and press thumb in center to form a deep depression.
5. Place 1/4 tsp soaked apricots in center and remould into a ball, covering the apricot. Place on a flat tray and continue to roll the remainder.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

7. For the dipping sauce:

8. Place diced apricots and water in a small pan with any remaining brandy-soaked apricots. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until very soft.
9. Stir in sugar, vinegar, teriyaki sauce, and simmer 2 minutes.
10. Puree in a blender or food processor.
11. Stir in the fresh ginger juice and set aside.
12. Heat oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan.
13. Fry meatballs in 2-3 batches, rolling them around the pan to cook all over and keep their shape (about 4-5 minutes each batch).
14. Drain on paper towels.
15. Place on a heated serving platter, with dipping sauce in the center and toothpicks for serving.