Spiced Apricot Meat Balls

DIRECTIONS

• Soak 4 1/2 oz diced apricots in the brandy for 1 hour.
• Soak bread in 4 tablespoons of water, squeeze out water, set aside.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
• For the dipping sauce:
• 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.
• Stir in sugar, vinegar, teriyaki sauce, and simmer 2 minutes.
• Puree in a blender or food processor.
• Stir in the fresh ginger juice and set aside.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan.
• 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).
• Drain on paper towels.
• Place on a heated serving platter, with dipping sauce in the center and toothpicks for serving.