SWEET-SOUR COCKTAIL MEATBALLS

FOR THE MEATBALLS:
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained, reserving liquid
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork
1 small green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small tomato, cut into wedges, if desired
FOR THE SWEET-SOUR SAUCE:
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon chicken-flavor instant bouillon
1 cup liquid (remaining pineapple liquid plus water)*
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced

TO MAKE THE MEATBALLS:
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Measure 1/3 cup of reserved pineapple liquid; set remaining liquid aside.

In large bowl, combine 1/3 cup pineapple liquid, bread crumbs and garlic powder; blend well. Add egg and ground meats; mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls; place on ungreased l5xl0xl-inch baking pan.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes or until browned and thoroughly baked.*

TO MAKE THE SWEET-SOUR SAUCE:
In medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and bouillon. Add remaining sauce ingredients. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Add pineapple chunks and green pepper; cook until thoroughly heated.

TO SERVE:
Using slotted spoon, transfer hot meatballs to 2-quart casserole or serving dish. Spoon warm green pepper mixture over meatballs; mix gently. Garnish with tomato wedges.

*A (6-oz.) can pineapple juice plus water to make 1 cup can be substituted for pineapple liquid.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Prepare meatballs as directed above. Arrange half of meatballs in 12x8-inch (2-quart) microwave-safe dish. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave on HIGH for 4 to 5 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink, rotating 1/2 turn halfway through cooking; drain. Set aside. Repeat with remaining meatballs.

In 3-quart microwave-safe casserole, combine sugar, cornstarch and bouillon. Add remaining saute ingredients; mix well. Microwave on HIGH for 8 to 9 minutes or until sauce boils and thickens, stirring twice during cooking. Add pineapple chunks, green pepper and meatballs. Microwave on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring once. Garnish with tomato wedges.

Makes 18 servings (72 meatballs)
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe booklet: Winter Food for Friends, Holiday Cooking Collection, Pillsbury, 1994