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Hi there! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We had a great Christmas and are now up in Utah. We had a bit of a rocky beginning (who needs their wallet anyway) and don't try calling me. I lost my phone a week ago. It. Is. So. Flipping. COLD. I brought ONE pair of socks. One?? We had a big get together tonight with a bunch of our old Boston friends. We brought Cranberry Meatballs. My dear old Boston friend who we'll call "Mary Beesley" (names have been changed to protect the innocent) gave me this years ago and I've thought about posting it so many times. With New Years coming up and all those parties I know you have to go to, I thought it would be the perfect time to share. So here's what you'll need:

Cranberry Meatballs
2 eggs, beaten
1 c dry bread crumbs
1/3 c minced fresh parsley
1/3 c ketchup
2 T finely chopped onion
2 T soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 lbs. ground beef

SAUCE:
1
can (16 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce

1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
1 T brown sugar
1 T prepared mustard
1 T lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced

In a bowl, combine the first nine ingredients (see above pic) Add beef and mix well.
IMG_2823

Shape into 1 inch balls. Place in an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink.
IMG_2824

Transfer with a slotted spoon to a slow cooker or chafing dish.
IMG_2831

Combine sauce ingredients in a saucepan; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over meatballs. Serve warm.IMG_2853


My meatballs were slightly bigger than 1" and yielded about 60. Total time about 1- 1.5 hours.

As if bringing the worlds best meatballs weren't enough, think about all the great ball-related comments you'll be getting:  

"Sweet Balls" "Those were the best balls I've ever had" " I sure loved your balls"

And so on.


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17 responses to “The worlds best appetizer”

  1. Erin Avatar

    What a perfect and festive treat for the holidays! I love this idea and the promise of inappropriate dinner conversation as well 😉 Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    I’ve never been a big cranberry fan… but I’ll make these just to get the comments! “Sweet balls” – heh!

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  3. NATALEA Avatar

    lovin those yummy balls too! ha! thanks for sharing! xo

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  4. Jaa Avatar

    Oh my gosh! The perfect appetizer for a party I am going to Saturday night, here in Utah! LOVE the laugh about the comments I’ll get. So funny. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Elise Avatar

    Hmmm…looks yum!! I originally came here via your Valentine post with a luscious ruffled apron and V-Day tree-I am totally stealing those ideas!! I had to comment though, your little girl sucks her middle fingers the way my wee one does. So cute!!
    Visit my blog for the best cheese appetizer ever!!
    Elise

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  6. melanie Avatar
    melanie

    How long are you guys here? We’re here now for a few months!

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  7. shaina Avatar

    I’m making these tomorrow. I’ll watch for the balls comments…

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  8. Crystal Avatar

    OMG. That reminds me of the time I was with my Gramma and she was so upset that my Uncle had thrown out some pecans she had been saving in her fridge. She was UPSET. Went one and one about how she would never find any other nuts like those and how they were irreplacable. She closed by telling me they were the best nuts she ever tasted…
    She had no idea why I laughed so hard. Hehe.. I miss that old gal. 🙂
    Your balls sure look tasty. I’ll have to try them out.

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  9. Kelly Call Avatar

    Yummmm! Them balls is good…lol
    Happy New Year Guys!
    xox

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  10. marieke Avatar
    marieke

    Your post immediately brought to mind the SNL skit of “Pete Schweddy’s Balls”. My favourite: “I can’t help but notice, Pete, your balls are misshapen”
    You have to see it and can find the clip online – I still giggle everytime. Anyhoo, thanks for the recipe, I can’t wait to try it out and “get my mouth around your balls”!

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  11. Cathie Jones Avatar
    Cathie Jones

    We’re sad to have missed the Bizarro dinner! I’m sure it was a great time (if we’d been in UT though I don’t know that I could’ve escaped the family party from my mom’s side–I’d never live that down)!

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  12. Jana Avatar

    I just have to say that I made these on New Year’s and they are truly amazing! I am making them again today for a party tonight.

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  13. Ashley Eddington Hoopes Avatar

    Sad I missed it! Those look awesome. What ever happened to the old Beesley’s anyhow? They were a hoot!

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  14. marné Avatar

    Those meatballs look so good. Now that I think about it, I’ve had a thing for meatballs lately. I made meatball sandwiches last week, and albondigas soup a few times this winter.
    I feel your sockless pain. I went to Idaho for the holidays, and ended up buying a down jacket at Costco while I was there. And then the tempurature jumped to 54 for the last few days of my trip. Oh well, it was only $40, and it’s a snazzy hot pink, so I’ll just find some excuse to wear it now that I’m back in California.

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  15. Gina Avatar

    I’m trying these out tomorrow to go with our finger food Sunday dinner. Thanks for sharing! G

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  16. Miranda Avatar

    Hi Morgan, what kind of chili sauce do you use for this recipe?

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  17. tina mazzetti Avatar
    tina mazzetti

    I think I’m gonna love your balls along with everbody else!Cant wait to make them ,and hear the comments at my party!

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