Lynette Sowell's Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Today I'm hosting my first Featured Author Recipe for February.

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of four novels and six novellas for Barbour Publishing. In 2009, Lynette was voted one of the favorite new authors by Heartsong Presents book club readers. Her historical romance, All That Glitters, was a finalist in ACFW's 2010 Carol Awards. When Lynette's not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born in Massachusetts, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. Learn more about her on her author website.

Book Description for Cherry Blossom Capers:

The lives of four neighbors are irrevocably changed amid mystery and romance. Assistant chef Tara Whitley is seeking a state dinner saboteur. Attorney Ciara Turner is tracking down a murderer. Budding archeologist Samantha Steele encounters a forger. Shop owner Susan Holland is someone’s target. Will God protect them in life and love? Purchase book here.

LYNETTE'S SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS

2 pounds ground beef

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 lightly beaten egg

Sauce:

1 large can tomato puree
1/2 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves

Place ground beef in a large bowl. Add bread crumbs and egg; mix thoroughly. (I use my hands.) Roll into meatballs, smaller than golf ball size. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

In medium saucepan, blend ingredients together and heat thoroughly. You may wish to add more spices and/or sugar to taste. The cloves plus the vinegar and brown sugar are what give this sauce its unique flavor. Pour over baked meatballs. Serves 8-10.

(Hint: Sauce and meatballs taste even better when they're a day old, so this is one of my make-ahead and reheat favorites.)