Mini Maple Meatballs

Name: Mini Maple Meatballs
Yield: 15
Ingredients: 1 egg; 3 tbsp milk; 2 slices white or whole wheat bread, torn into crumbs; ½ pound lean ground beef; ½ pound ground pork; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, divided; &frac23; cup pure maple syrup; ½ cup apple juice; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp vinegar; 1 ½ tsp cornstarch; 1 ½ tsp ground mustard; Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

These savory meatballs start with ground pork and ground beef infused with garlic, cayenne and mustard—and maple!

These savory meatballs start with ground pork and ground beef infused with garlic, cayenne and mustard. Maple syrup and apple juice provide sweetness to balance the spicy mix. Having a party? Prepare ahead, then bake just prior to the gathering.

Makes 15 servings

Ingredients

1 egg
3 tbsp milk
2 slices white or whole wheat bread, torn into crumbs
½ pound lean ground beef
½ pound ground pork
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper, divided
⅔ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup apple juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
1 ½ tsp cornstarch
1 ½ tsp ground mustard
Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. For meatballs, in a large bowl combine egg, milk and bread crumbs. Stir in beef, pork, garlic, salt, pepper and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne until thoroughly combined. Shape into 30 1-inch balls. Arrange in a 13×9×2-inch baking dish.
For glaze, in a bowl combine maple syrup, apple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, ground mustard and remaining ⅛ teaspoon cayenne; pour over meatballs. Bake about 45 minutes or until meatballs are browned and sauce is slightly thickened. If desired, sprinkle with a few thyme leaves just before serving.