Singing, Dancing, Meatballs and More!

Yes, it's been over a week since our little Christmas get-together. It was a nice evening with friends, and all in all a successful "do". Danny played the guitar and performed a Christmas song that he had written. Beth had done a sort of science experiment in her kitchen that ended with some of the best cheese I've ever had. Yes, she MADE cheese; talk about crafty. And also on a crafty note, Brad provided everyone with Santa hats and puff paint for decorating. I'd hoped there would be another craft night hidden in this "Do", and Brad didn't disappoint. Natalia performed a Hula dance with poi balls that was both amazing and kind of frightening. Mike gave everyone a copy of their reference toxicity characters with several brand new characters added. You'd really have to see it to appreciate how awesome it is. We're probably going to frame ours. Lastly, Mark and I did a reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas in the style of Rocky Horror with guided audience participation. The fart noise-makers were probably the best part, even though they were more of an afterthought.

As far as the rest of the party went (and by rest, I mean FOOD), I've decided that hands down appetizers are the most fun foods to cook. I made fudge, spinach dip, cocktail meatballs, and a cake, and Mark made little sandwiches, and sugared almonds. The spinach dip and the meatballs were completely new recipes to me, and while the dip was a little underwhelming, I was impressed with the meatballs. And since they were all eaten, I'm guessing everyone else liked them too. So, my craftiness for this post is to share the recipe for them.

Super Easy Cocktail Meatballs

1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup bread crumbs
4 tablespoons minced onion

1/2 can jellied cranberry sauce
3/4 cup chili sauce (sold near the barbecue sauce)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• In a bowl, mix together first five ingredients and roll into small meatballs. Place on greased cookie sheet.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning all meatballs once halfway through.
• In a Crock-Pot, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine after heating for about 15 minutes.
• Add meatballs to crock-pot, and simmer for 1 hour before serving.

*Sorry, I'll add a few pictures from the evening when I can, but I'm at work without my camera right now.