Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Meatballs

Name: Sweet 'n' Spicy Meatballs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: about 4 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 pounds bulk spicy pork sausage; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup red wine vinegar; 1 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon ground ginger

You'll usually find a batch of these meatballs in my freezer. The slightly sweet sauce nicely complements the spicy pork sausage. —Genie Brown, Roanoke, Virginia

Ingredients

2 pounds bulk spicy pork sausage
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

In a large bowl, combine sausage and egg. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°; drain.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until sugar is dissolved.
Transfer meatballs to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Add the sauce and stir gently to coat. Cover and keep warm on low until serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 64 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Country Delight in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2005