Discover Faddy’s Irresistible Meatballs: The Timeless Secret Recipe From My Great Grandmother That Will Delight Your Taste Buds!
Discover the Delights of Faddy’s Port Wine Cocktail Meatballs
Faddy’s Port Wine Cocktail Meatballs are a cherished family recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to every gathering. With a delightful blend of flavors and a secret ingredient, these bite-sized treats are sure to be the star of any event. Whether for a holiday party or a casual get-together, these appetizers are the perfect choice for food lovers. Let’s dive into the heart of this beloved dish!
A Personal Touch on Tradition
In my family, we lovingly refer to my great-grandmother as « Faddy, » a term of endearment from my uncle as a toddler. These cocktail meatballs, a staple at our New Year’s Day celebrations, were her signature dish. Over the years, I’ve attempted to diversify our appetizer menu, but nothing compares to Faddy’s famous meatballs, particularly when paired with college football festivities.
Unique Flavor Profile
The Secret Ingredient
What sets Faddy’s meatballs apart is a surprising yet simple ingredient: stuffing mix. This addition not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the meatballs moist and tender. The process involves soaking the stuffing mix in milk before combining it with the meat, ensuring an even distribution of taste throughout each meatball.
The Perfect Sauce
The real magic happens with the accompanying sauce, a zesty concoction that includes:
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Granulated sugar
- Port wine
- Vinegar
This savory blend not only dresses the meatballs but also creates a flavor explosion that guests rave about. Many have been caught savoring the sauce straight from the pot!
Ingredients for Faddy’s Meatballs
Meatball Components
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- 1 cup Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 ¼ pounds ground beef
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup port wine
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
Cooking Method
Preparation Steps
Preparing Faddy’s Port Wine Cocktail Meatballs involves a few simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix and milk. Let it soak for about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and diced onions. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs the size of ping-pong balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes until cooked through and browned.
Making the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, mix the ketchup, port wine, sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Final Touches
Once the meatballs are finished, you can either:
- Toss them in the sauce right away.
- Transfer both meatballs and sauce to a slow cooker and let them simmer on low for up to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Serving Suggestions
These cocktail meatballs can serve as a delightful appetizer at any gathering. Their robust flavor pairs perfectly with drinks and a side of fresh bread or crackers. For added versatility, consider freezing leftover sauce and using it to enhance other dishes like kielbasa. Your guests will undoubtedly return for seconds!
Conclusion
Faddy’s Port Wine Cocktail Meatballs encapsulate the essence of comfort food, merging family tradition with delicious flavors. Whether it’s for the holidays or a casual meet-up, this recipe guarantees to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Embrace the tradition, indulge in the flavors, and enjoy the delightful conversations that come with sharing good food!
