Issue 005: An Apple(ton) A Day…

Hey Q-Crew!

Tired of the same old baby shower meatballs? Absolutely not, those are fantastic, but it’s always good to mix it up a bit! This week we’re revisiting the get together staple in a new way and adding the sauce everyone raves about at my BBQs. We’re making Oven Baked Lamb Meatballs with Appleton Rum Barbecue Sauce!

This month’s theme is Tek A Bite! Sometimes you don’t want a huge meal, or you need a cute and handy appetizer to wow guests at your next shindig. Well never fear, YGQ is here! Every issue this month is a hearty nibble and something saucy to dip it in.

Oven Baked Lamb Meatballs

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 5

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground lamb
  • 3 hot dog buns (or 2 hamburger buns or 3 slices of bread)
  • 1 cup milk (or water if lactose intolerant)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp recaito (or 2 tsp each of garlic and onion powder)
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes

Step 1: Add the bread and milk (or water) to a food processor (or blender) and let soak.

Step 2: Add the ground lamb, soy sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, recaito ( or onion and garlic powder), and red chili flakes to a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Puree the bread and milk until completely smooth, this is called a panade. It’s a great binder/thickener and the secret to super tender meatballs.

Step 4: Add the panade to the mixing bowl.

Step 5: Mix gently until well combined. You want to be gentle because overworking the meat will make it tough.

Step 6: Form into balls and place in a greased foil pan or baking dish. (Pro-tip: Coat your fingers with a little olive oil as you roll. That will stop the meat from sticking to your hands.)

Step 7: Bake at 400° for 15 minutes

Step 8: Turn and bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 9: Broil for 3-5 minutes on high to create a nice brown crust

Step 10: Serve hot!

Appleton Rum Barbecue Sauce

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/3 cup yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp dried minced onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 shot Appleton rum

Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl.

Step 2: Mix until combined! That’s it!

Step 3: For the best flavor let it sit so the flavors can really come together and deepen for at least 30 minutes, but if you can’t wait, dig in!

Coming to Ko-fi This Week

Jerk Chicken Lollipops! These protein packed spicy bites are quick to make and the perfect grabbable treat for your next dinner party.

What’s your favorite small bite? Are you a fancy cucumber sandwich and puff pastry person or do you love a good nugget?

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Contemporary and fusion West Indian cooking... or whatever else I think up #LetHerCook