Unforgettable Ham Balls

Unforgettable Ham Balls Recipe - A Delicious Blend of Ham and Pork

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Unforgettable Ham Balls are a classic and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. These savory meatballs are made with a combination of ground cooked ham, fresh pork, and a blend of seasonings. The real star of this recipe is the sweet and tangy sauce that coats the meatballs, giving them a unique and unforgettable flavor.

History

Ham balls have been a popular dish in the Midwest United States for decades. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday dinners. The combination of ham and pork creates a rich and flavorful meatball that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground cooked ham
0.5 lb (227 g) ground fresh pork
1.5 cups soft bread crumbs (about 3 slices)
2 tbsp jack daniel's whiskey, divided
2 tbsp water
1 egg
0.25 cup minced celery
2 tbsp minced onion
0.5 tsp dry mustard
0.25 tsp pepper
0.13 tsp ground cloves
0.33 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tbsp prepared mustard
0.5 tbsp vinegar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the ham, pork, bread crumbs, 1 tbsp of Jack Daniel's whiskey, water, egg, celery, onion, dry mustard, pepper, and cloves.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, using 1 tbsp for each meatball.
Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining brown sugar, prepared mustard, vinegar, and the remaining 1 tbsp of Jack Daniel's whiskey.
Stir the sauce over low heat until it becomes hot.
Using toothpicks, dip the cooked meatballs into the sauce.

Variations

You can add a kick of heat by adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
For a sweeter sauce, you can add a splash of pineapple juice or honey to the sauce mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ground cooked ham for this recipe, as it adds a unique flavor and texture to the meatballs.

- Be sure to fully cook the meatballs before adding them to the sauce to ensure they are tender and juicy.

- For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the meatballs in the sauce for a few hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Unforgettable Ham Balls can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even as a party snack. They pair well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures that they cook evenly and retain their shape. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they are fully cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground cooked ham, you can use ground ham or even ground turkey as a substitute. You can also use regular breadcrumbs instead of soft breadcrumbs.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Unforgettable Ham Balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Unforgettable Ham Balls pair well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer. They also go well with a side of roasted vegetables or a creamy pasta dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Unforgettable Ham Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a baking dish and heat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Unforgettable Ham Balls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Unforgettable Ham Balls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Unforgettable Ham Balls contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Unforgettable Ham Balls contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Unforgettable Ham Balls are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread crumbs and may contain soy from the prepared mustard.

Summary

Unforgettable Ham Balls are a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients. However, they are also high in fats and carbohydrates, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Unforgettable Ham Balls are a classic and delicious dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a flavorful meatball mixture and a sweet and tangy sauce, these meatballs are truly unforgettable. Enjoy them as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack for a meal that is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started when I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Mildred's farmhouse in the countryside. Aunt Mildred was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to spending time in her kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques.

One sunny afternoon, as I sat at Aunt Mildred's kitchen table, she presented me with a plate of delicious-looking ham balls. I had never seen or tasted anything like them before. The sweet and savory flavors combined perfectly, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

Aunt Mildred smiled as she saw the look of wonder on my face. "These are my famous ham balls," she said with pride. "I learned this recipe from an old friend many years ago, and it has been a family favorite ever since."

I begged Aunt Mildred to teach me how to make the ham balls, and she happily obliged. She guided me through the process step by step, explaining the importance of using quality ingredients and taking care to mix the meat mixture just right. As I rolled the ham balls in my hands, I could feel the love and passion that went into each one.

After baking the ham balls to perfection, Aunt Mildred and I sat down to enjoy a delicious meal together. The ham balls were even better than I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

As I grew older, I continued to make Aunt Mildred's ham balls for my own family and friends. Each time I prepared them, I would think back to that sunny afternoon in Aunt Mildred's kitchen and the joy of learning a new recipe from someone I admired.

Over the years, I added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different seasonings and cooking methods. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on Aunt Mildred's legacy to the next generation of cooks.

One day, as I was preparing the ham balls for a family gathering, my granddaughter came into the kitchen with a curious look on her face. She had always been fascinated by my cooking and had begged me to teach her some of my best recipes.

I smiled as I handed her a bowl of ham ball mixture. "Today, I'm going to teach you how to make my unforgettable ham balls," I said. "This recipe has been passed down through the generations, and now it's your turn to learn."

As my granddaughter rolled the ham balls in her hands, I watched with pride, knowing that I was passing on a piece of family history to her. I shared stories of Aunt Mildred and the day I first learned to make the ham balls, hoping to inspire her to create her own memories in the kitchen.

When we sat down to enjoy the ham balls together, I could see the joy and satisfaction in my granddaughter's eyes. She had truly embraced the recipe and made it her own, just as I had done all those years ago.

As I watched my granddaughter grow into a confident and skilled cook, I knew that the recipe for unforgettable ham balls would continue to be a part of our family for generations to come. The memories of learning to make them with Aunt Mildred and passing on the tradition to my granddaughter would always hold a special place in my heart. And every time I took a bite of those sweet and savory ham balls, I would be reminded of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives.