Chef Jim Althoff here to save the day with a hot ticket for the cold night that won't break the bank.

Meatballs Sm-eatballs....I always say, till I tried these delectable Swedish meat balls.

All you will need is:

5 dozen Ѕ ounce Swedish Meatballs (ask for them at the cub meat counter or they come frozen in a bag)

2 tbsp   Minced (dried) Onion

ј lb     Butter (1 stick)

ј cup   Flour

2 tbsp   Worcestershire

2 cups  Beef Broth

1 cup    Heavy Cream

1 cup    Sour Cream

1 tsp     Salt

1 tsp     Black Pepper (fresh ground if at all possible)

ј tsp    Ground Nutmeg

ј cup   Grated Parmesan

1 tbsp   Parsley

-         Melt butter in deep frying pan. When butter begins to bubble add in minced onion and let cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly sprinkle in flour and incorporate well with butter. It will be thick and seem awkward. Lower heat and add in Worcestershire. Raise heat to medium and slowly whisk in beef broth until mixture is smooth. Slowly whisk in cream and sour cream and bring to a bubble. Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg.

-         Bake meatballs in oven until fully cooked. Pour into "crock pot" and cover with Swedish sauce. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley and your ready to go. Once at the party turn on low heat only and sit back and get rave reviews.

Next day tip: Boil up some egg noodles and top with remaining sauce and meatballs and a little extra parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Have a Merry Christmas and have a safe & Happy New Year!

Chef Jim & the Special Events Midwest Staff