Appetizer Ham Balls with Hawaiian Punch Sauce

Appetizer Ham Balls with Hawaiian Punch Sauce Recipe from Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

The Appetizer Ham Balls with Hawaiian Punch Sauce is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of ham and pork with the sweet and tangy flavor of Hawaiian Punch. This recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a delightful starter to any meal. The combination of ingredients creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a hit among both adults and children.

History

The history of ham balls dates back to the Midwest, where they are considered a comfort food and a staple at gatherings and special occasions. The addition of Hawaiian Punch to the sauce is a modern twist that adds an unexpected but delightful flavor. This recipe is a fusion of traditional American cuisine with a touch of tropical sweetness, creating a dish that is both familiar and exotic.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) ground ham
0.75 lb (340 g) ground pork
0.67 cup quick oats
1 beaten egg
0.5 cup milk

Sauce

0.33 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp dry mustard
0.67 cup Hawaiian punch
2 tbsp white vinegar
6 whole cloves
0.33 cup dark corn syrup

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs and shape them into 1-inch balls.
Place the meatballs on a greased cookie sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are browned.
To make the sauce, combine the brown sugar, flour, and mustard, mixing well.
Add the punch and vinegar to the mixture and mix well. Then add the cloves and corn syrup.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes clear.
Place the ham balls in a crock-pot and pour the sauce over them.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce. For a lower-fat option, use ground turkey instead of pork. You can also substitute the Hawaiian Punch with pineapple juice for a more traditional flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the ham balls are juicy and flavorful, do not overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Also, soaking the quick oats in milk before adding them to the meat mixture can help keep the ham balls moist. For the sauce, make sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and to achieve a smooth consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ham balls warm, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. They can be served on their own or with toothpicks for easy handling at parties.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the ham balls in the oven helps to achieve a browned and slightly crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist. Cooking the sauce over medium heat ensures that it thickens properly without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Hawaiian Punch is not available, a mixture of pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine can be used as a substitute. Quick oats can be replaced with breadcrumbs if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

The ham balls can be shaped and refrigerated a day in advance. The sauce can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving, making this recipe convenient for entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, serve the ham balls on a platter with a bowl of the sauce for dipping. Garnish with tropical fruits like pineapple or mango slices to highlight the Hawaiian theme.

Pairing Recommendations

These ham balls pair well with a crisp white wine or a fruity cocktail. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling pineapple or citrus punch complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover ham balls and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or in the microwave, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Appetizer Ham Balls with Hawaiian Punch Sauce contains approximately 250-300 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for an appetizer or snack.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the brown sugar, Hawaiian Punch, and quick oats. Each serving contains approximately 20-30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a moderate source of carbs.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the ground ham and pork. Each serving contains about 10-15 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using leaner cuts of pork can help reduce the fat content.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, thanks to the ground ham and pork. Each serving provides approximately 15-20 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

The ham balls and sauce provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B6, phosphorus, zinc, and iron from the meat, and Vitamin C from the Hawaiian Punch. These nutrients are important for energy production, immune function, and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains potential allergens such as eggs, milk, and gluten (from the oats). Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, the Appetizer Ham Balls with Hawaiian Punch Sauce is a moderately healthy option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It is, however, important to be mindful of portion sizes and potential allergens.

Summary

The Appetizer Ham Balls with Hawaiian Punch Sauce is a delightful and unique dish that combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It is perfect for entertaining and offers a modern twist on traditional ham balls. With its moderate nutritional profile and the ability to make ahead, it is a convenient and tasty option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was at a potluck dinner at church, and I couldn't take my eyes off of the appetizer ham balls with Hawaiian Punch sauce. The combination of sweet and savory flavors intrigued me, and I knew I had to find out how to make them for myself.

I approached the woman who had brought the dish and asked her for the recipe. She was more than happy to share, and she told me that she had gotten it from her grandmother, who had learned it from a friend many years ago. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn such a unique and delicious recipe, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

The first step was to gather all of the ingredients. I needed ham, breadcrumbs, eggs, mustard, and pineapple juice for the ham balls, and Hawaiian Punch, brown sugar, and cornstarch for the sauce. I made a trip to the grocery store to pick up everything I needed, and I was eager to get started.

I began by mixing the ham, breadcrumbs, eggs, and mustard together in a large bowl. I formed the mixture into small balls and placed them on a baking sheet. Then, I popped them into the oven to bake until they were golden brown and cooked through.

While the ham balls were baking, I started on the Hawaiian Punch sauce. I combined the Hawaiian Punch, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan and brought it to a boil. I let it simmer until it had thickened slightly, then removed it from the heat to cool.

Once the ham balls were done baking and the sauce had cooled, I plated them up and drizzled the sauce over the top. The combination of the salty ham balls and the sweet and tangy sauce was absolutely divine. I couldn't believe how delicious they were, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

I brought the appetizer ham balls with Hawaiian Punch sauce to the next potluck dinner at church, and they were a huge hit. Everyone raved about how unique and tasty they were, and I was proud to have learned such a special recipe.

As the years went by, I continued to make the ham balls with Hawaiian Punch sauce for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a beloved dish in my household, and I loved sharing it with friends and loved ones.

One day, my granddaughter came to me and asked me to teach her how to make the ham balls with Hawaiian Punch sauce. I was overjoyed to pass down the recipe to her and show her how to make it just like I had learned so many years ago.

Together, we gathered the ingredients and went through the steps of making the ham balls and the sauce. I showed her how to mix the ingredients together, form the balls, bake them to perfection, and make the delicious sauce to drizzle over the top.

As we sat down to enjoy the appetizer ham balls with Hawaiian Punch sauce together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I was passing down a piece of family history to my granddaughter, and I knew that she would cherish this recipe for years to come, just as I had.

In that moment, I realized the power of a recipe. It's not just about the ingredients and the steps, but about the memories and traditions that come with it. The ham balls with Hawaiian Punch sauce may have started as a simple dish at a potluck dinner, but they had become so much more than that. They had become a part of our family's story, a connection to the past, and a way to create new memories for the future.

And as I watched my granddaughter take her first bite of the ham balls with Hawaiian Punch sauce, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a source of joy and connection for generations to come.