Ingredients:
for ham balls
11⁄2 pounds cubed ham
1 pound ground pork
2 eggs
1 cup saltine cracker crumbs
1 cup finely chopped onions, optional
1 cup all-purpose fl our
3⁄4 cup vegetable oil
for glaze
11⁄4 cups packed dark brown sugar
3⁄4 cup orange juice
1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
1⁄4 cup prepared mustard
1 tablespoon dry mustard
for garnish
Cilantro leaves, optional
Orange slices, optional
Method:
1. To prepare the ham balls, place the ham in a food processor container and pulse to a coarse texture. Combine the ham, pork, eggs, cracker crumbs, and onions, if using, in a large bowl; mix well.
2. Form into 60 balls about the size of a walnut. The mixture will be very sticky and soft.
3. Pour the flour into a shallow pan and coat the meatballs with the flour. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight.
4. To prepare the glaze, combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
5. Heat 1⁄4 cup of the oil in a large skillet over medium- high heat. Add 20 ham balls and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Repeat twice with the remaining ham balls.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the browned ham balls in a 13 × 9- inch glass baking dish.
7. Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the ham balls and bake, uncovered, for 11⁄2 hours, or until richly glazed, turning every 30 minutes. Garnish with cilantro leaves and orange slices, if desired.
Notes and Tips:
For easy handling, use a fork and spoon when turning the ham balls.
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| Heavenly Ham Balls |
