Five-Spice Appetizer Meatballs

Turn these miniature meatballs into a main dish by spooning several meatballs and sauce over hot cooked rice or noodles.

1 slightly beaten egg white
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups Florida Orange Juice
3 tablespoons honey
4 teaspoons cornstarch
4 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 medium red and/or green sweet pepper, cut into 1" pieces

In a large bowl combine egg white, bread crumbs, five-spice powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add beef; mix well. Shape into 48 (1-inch) meatballs. Place in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

Bake in a 350F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until no pink remains in center of meatballs. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan stir together orange juice, honey, cornstarch, soy sauce, and ginger. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.

Add sweet pepper and meatballs in saucepan; cook and stir until heated through. Keep warm in a fondue pot or chafing dish. Serve with toothpicks.

Yields: Approximately 48 appetizer-size meatballs.
Source: Florida Department of Citrus