# What Goes In:
→ Meatballs
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp milk or water
07 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Cherry-Date Glaze
10 - 1/2 cup cherry preserves or jam
11 - 1/3 cup finely chopped pitted dates
12 - 2 tbsp ketchup
13 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
14 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
15 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
16 - 2 tbsp water
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk or water, parsley, salt, and black pepper until just combined without overmixing.
03 - Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
05 - While meatballs bake, combine cherry preserves, chopped dates, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until dates soften and glaze thickens slightly.
06 - Transfer baked meatballs to a skillet or clean saucepan, pour glaze over them, and toss gently to coat. Simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until meatballs are evenly coated and heated through.
07 - Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired, using toothpicks for easy picking.
