Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Swedish meatballs. The key ingredient is the perfect mix of meat and breadcrumbs. As a family we celebrate with several different foods, but one traditional food is Swedish meatballs. My grandmother grew up and was taught some basic Swedish traditions, and decided to share that with her daughters and family. Eventually the tradition was passed down to me and has become my family’s favorite meal. The recipe was passed down to my mom and aunts.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 pound of ground pork
• ¾ cups of bread crumbs (more if necessary)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of ground nutmeg
• 2 dashes of black pepper
• 2 dashes of salt

Procedure:

Step 1: To begin preheat the oven to 350℉. Start with one pound of ground beef and one pound of ground pork.

Step 2: Knead the meats together

Step 3: Add ¾ a cup of breadcrumbs (Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed).

Step 4: Add two eggs

Step 5: Add a ½ cup of milk.

Step 6: Once everything is blended evenly, incorporate one tablespoon of ground allspice, paprika ground nutmeg and two dashes of ground pepper and salt.

Step 7: After adding all of the ingredients, knead again with your hands. During the process, if the mixture seems to be watery add a dash of breadcrumbs.

Step 8: Scoop two tablespoons of the meat and form a small ball (be cautious by not trying to make the meatballs too large otherwise they will take longer to cook).

Step 9: Place the meatballs on a pan with sides about an inch away from each other (make sure not to put meatballs too close to each other or they will not cook properly).

Step 10: Cook for twenty minutes, halfway through flip the meatballs and cook for the remaining time.

Step 11: When the meatballs are done remove them from the oven and place on a plate.

Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are served on peeled and mashed red potatoes with gravy. Some variations include egg white noodles, any regular noodles or served on their own with toothpicks. This recipe could be served at a holiday party or Christmas celebrations.