If, like me, you always wonder what to do with leftover ham after Easter, I’ve got a recipe for you.
Of course, you can always chop up the leftovers for ham salad or to mix with peppers and onions for an omelet. But if you’re looking for something new to try, you might want to make these Sweet-Sour Ham Balls.
It doesn’t matter if you have a big hunk of ham or slices from a spiral-cut ham left because this recipe calls for the ham to be finely chopped or ground and made into “meatballs” and then baked with a sweet-sour sauce.
This dish can be served right away over hot, fluffy white rice or frozen with the sauce and baked later. Either way, the taste will be a refreshing change from your usual leftovers.
SWEET-SOUR HAM BALLS
Ham Balls:
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons chopped onion
3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
1 pound ground or finely chopped ham
1/2 pound ground pork
SWEET-SOUR SAUCE:
1 (8-ounce) crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, onion and bread crumbs. Crumble meat over the mixture and mix well. Shape into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place in a greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
In a blender or food processor, combine the pineapple, brown sugar, mustard and vinegar; cover and process until smooth. Pour over ham balls. Bake uncovered, basting occasionally with the sauce, at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees.
This recipe can easily be doubled, allowing you to serve half right away and save the other half to freeze and serve for a quick meal later.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature.
Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
