Maple-Apple Meatballs

Maple-Apple Meatballs

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Yield:

Maple syrup, apples and meatballs, a perfect combination for a cookout, party, tailgate or party.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• Nonstick cooking spray for the pan
• 3 eggs
• 1.5 cups quick-cooking oats
• 3 apples, cored and finely choppped (about 1/2 cup)
• 6 teaspoons snipped fresh sage or 1.5 teaspoon dried sage, crushed
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 pound ground pork, chicken or turkey

For the Maple-Apple Glaze

• 1 cup apple sauce or apple butter
• 1cup pure maple syrup

Directions

Get the oven preheating to 400 F

Step 1 - Line the pan

Line a15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil; coat with cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2 - Mix ingredients

In a large bowl, beat egg lightly with a fork. Stir in oats, apple, sage, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Add the ground meat; mix until combined.

Step 3 - make the meatballs

Shape mixture into 40, 1-inch meatballs. Place meatballs 1/2 inch apart in prepared baking pan.

Step 4 - Bake

Bake meatballs in a 400° F oven on the middle rack of the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until cooked through (160°F).

Step 5 - make the glaze while the meatballs bake

In a small saucepan, heat jelly and maple syrup over medium-low heat, whisking until jelly is melted and mixture is smooth. Drizzle 1/4 cup of the jelly mixture over the baked meatballs, lightly toss to coat and bake meatballs 2 minutes more.

Step 6 - Serve

Transfer meatballs to a serving platter. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup of jelly mixture. If you like, garnish with fresh sage.