This week on ‘Jayni’s Kitchen’

Guest cook Rita Haugh prepares a traditional Swedish Christmas menu.

On the menu:

• swedish meatballs (Köttbullar)

• molded salmon salad

• swedish apple pie

Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (ground round or chuck)

1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoons onion, finely minced

2 tablespoons butter

Sauce:

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup hot water

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

3/4 cup half & half

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and breadcrumbs. Add the egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg and onion and mix well. Shape the beef mixture into 1-inch balls using as little pressure as possible. Place the meatballs on a plate, cover and chill for one hour.

Melt the butter in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them, a few at a time, shaking the pan almost constantly, until browned on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate or baking dish.

To make the sauce: Remove all but about 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet. Stir the flour into the drippings until well-blended and lightly browned. Gradually add 1 cup of hot water, stirring constantly. Bring the sauce to a boil and add the salt and pepper. Add the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes over low heat.

Transfer the meatballs to a shallow bowl or baking dish using a slotted spoon. Add the half & half to the sauce and return to simmering. Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Makes 6 servings.

— Recipe by Rita Haugh

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