Swedish Meatballs

Holiday traditions were always important for Michelle. Actually, holidays in general were always important. There were extensive decorations for every single holiday (especially Valentine's Day and Halloween), and often a traditional meal for every one. Michelle's family's Christmas Eve tradition included a Swedish Smorgasbord. The meal evolved from traditional Smorgasbord fare, to a more potluck type event. The only requirement was that everyone was supposed to bring a dish from their family heritage. From Michelle's kitchen came lasagne (her married name was Luccio afterall) and the most fantastic Swedish Meatballs around. I only had the pleasure of eating these for Christmas Eve once, which just so happened to be last year. Sadly, this has resulted in my current lack of interest in IKEA meatballs (I'm sorry, IKEA meatballs, but our love affair was never meant to last). Happily, Michelle's original recipe exists in print, so it is with this recipe that I start this little blog. Enjoy, and if you can't wait until Christmas Eve to make them I totally understand and will not judge you at all. I may, however, show up at your house for dinner.

Swedish Meatballs

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 small onion, grated
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups half & half, divided
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 Tb flour
1 tsp instant beef broth (beef buillon, right?)

Combine beef, onion, bread crumbs, eggs, 1/2 cup of half & half, salt, and spices and mix well. Form into walnut-sized balls and place on lightly greased shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until brown.

Measure 2 Tb of fat from the baking pan (if there isn't enough fat, use butter to equal 2 Tb) and place in a large saucepan. Stir in flour and instant broth. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes. Whisk in 1.5 cups half & half and continue cooking and stirring until sauce comes to boil. Simmer for 1 minute. Add meatballs and simmer over low heat until hot.

Serve in a chafing dish or over hot buttered noodles.