We can all agree that the holiday season is about being together with family and friends. And no matter who is around the table, moments together are made even better with beef! As consumers count down to the holidays, they are going to be looking for inspiration for their holiday table. This month is the perfect time to inspire and encourage consumers to choose beef as the centerpiece of their holiday table. Read more below for a few ideas to get you started.
- Share your favorite family dishes, traditions or how your family and friends celebrate with beef
- Visit the holiday landing page on beefitswhatsfordinner.com and share some classic recipes made with beef or some beefy appetizers
- Highlight the Beef Drool Log and inspire others to let it be the backdrop of celebrations this holiday season
- Showcase your favorite cuts for roasting, carving tips and how your family is caring for cattle during the holidays
Let us know what you are sharing this month by tagging Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. on social media, sharing your posts in the MBA Facebook group!
Mini Meatballs with Apricot Dipping Sauce:
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound Ground Beef (96% lean)
- 1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
- 2 egg whites or 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Apricot Dipping Sauce:
- 3/4 cup apricot preserves
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
COOKING:
- Heat oven to 400°F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, egg whites, water, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24 1-inch meatballs. Place on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in 400°F oven 18 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat preserves, barbecue sauce and mustard in medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally or until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked meatballs and continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.
SAFE HANDLING TIPS:
- Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat.
- Separate raw meat from other foods.
- Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat.
- Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods.
- Wash all produce prior to use.
- Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips visit: https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cooking/determining-doneness
For more information on safe food handling and beef safety, see: https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cooking/food-safety
