Recipe: Rich Norwegian Meatballs

the appetizer:

The Ultimate Appetizers Book by Better Homes and Gardens includes recipes like Veggie Spring Rolls with Chimichurri Sauce; Manchego Bites; and Rich Norwegian Meatballs.

Rich Norwegian Meatballs

Prep: 40 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Cook: 24 minutes
Makes: 72 meatballs

These Scandinavian meatballs, called kjottkaker in Norway, are made even richer with the addition of half-and-half before shaping. Coffee and nutmeg create a bold-flavored sauce that contrasts nicely with the meatballs.

1-1/2 cups soft breadcrumbs
1/2 cup half-and-half or light cream
1/4 cup strong coffee
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely snipped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground turkey breast and/or lean ground pork
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 cup strong coffee
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

1. In a large bowl combine breadcrumbs, half-and-half, and the 1/4 cup coffee. Let stand until mixture is evenly moist.

2. Add eggs, onion, parsley, the 1 teaspoon salt, the 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and the pepper. Add beef and turkey; mix well. Cover and chill for 2 hours. Using moistened hands, shape mixture into 72 meatballs.

3. In a 12-inch skillet melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Cook half of the meatballs in hot butter for about 12 minutes or until cooked through (165 degrees F), checking with an instant-read thermometer. Carefully turn meatballs during cooking to brown evenly. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meatballs to a platter. Add remaining butter to skillet and repeat with remaining meatballs. Remove meatballs from skillet to platter.

4. Stir flour into pan drippings until smooth. Add broth, the 1 cup coffee, the 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Return all meatballs to skillet. Heat through, stirring gently occasionally.

5. Serve meatballs with short skewers or toothpicks. If desired, keep warm in a slow cooker on warm or low heat setting for up to 2 hours.

Nutrition facts per meatball: 30 cal., 2 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 14 mg chol., 80 mg sodium, 1 g carb., 0 g dietary fiber, 2 g protein.