Recipe: Sweet and Sour Meatballs for a Crowd (serves 20-24)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs for a Crowd (serves 20-24)

FOR THE MEATBALLS:*
4 lb medium ground beef
4 eggs
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups soft bread crumbs
2 cups milk
FOR THE SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE:
2 sweet red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped
2 cups diced celery
1 (19 oz) can crushed pineapple, drain and reserve juice
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup vinegar
2 cups water
3/4 cup ketchup
3 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp ground ginger
Hot plain boiled rice or noodles (for serving)

TO MAKE THE MEATBALLS:
Combine the ingredients for the meatballs. Mix well. Form into one-inch balls and place on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven until browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.

TO MAKE THE SAUCE:
Saute peppers and celery in a little oil for five minutes. Set aside with the pineapple (to be added later).

Combine the remaining ingredients in a large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sauce is thickened and clear.

Add meatballs, peppers, celery and pineapple. Heat thoroughly. Stir in the reserved pineapple juice in small amounts if mixture gets too thick.

TO SERVE:
Serve over plain boiled rice or noodles.

*If you are pressed for time (or energy), you can buy the meatballs ready made. Buy five pounds.

Makes 20-24 servings
Adapted from source: Norma Bidwell to The Hamilton Spectator, August 28, 2002