Arlene’s Ham Balls

🍽️ Arlene’s Ham Balls 🍖

Arlene’s Ham Balls are a delightful and savory dish, often enjoyed as a comfort food. These flavorful ham balls consist of a blend of ground ham and ground pork, seasoned with various ingredients, and glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce. Here’s a detailed overview, with a dash of emojis for fun! 😊

📜 History:
The exact origin of Arlene’s Ham Balls is not well-documented, but similar dishes like ham loaves and meatballs have been enjoyed for generations. These types of dishes were especially popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, often served at family gatherings and potlucks.

🥘 Components:

• 1 pound ground ham
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham and ground pork.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk until they form a paste, then add this mixture to the meat.

2. Add Flavor:

   • Incorporate the eggs and finely chopped onion into the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine.

3. Form Ham Balls:

   • Shape the mixture into small meatballs or patties, about 2 inches in diameter, and place them in a baking dish.

4. Create the Glaze:

   • In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, vinegar, water, ground mustard, and ground cloves. Heat this mixture over low heat until the sugar is dissolved, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.

5. Glaze and Bake:

   • Pour the glaze over the ham balls evenly.

6. Baking:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the ham balls in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned.

7. Serve:

   • Serve your Arlene’s Ham Balls hot, with the glaze providing a delectable contrast to the savory meat.

⏱️ Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Arlene’s Ham Balls may vary, but on average, it takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes both the preparation and baking time.

These ham balls are a beloved dish that brings together the rich flavors of ham and pork with a sweet and tangy glaze, making it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potluck dinners. Enjoy making and savoring this classic comfort food! 🍽️😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Arlene’s Ham Balls:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):

• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 830mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 20g

Health Information:

1. Protein Source: Arlene’s Ham Balls are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall bodily functions.

2. High in Sodium: The dish can be high in sodium due to ham and the glaze. High sodium intake may contribute to high blood pressure, so moderation is key.

3. Moderate in Calories: These ham balls provide a moderate calorie count, making them suitable for a meal if consumed in appropriate portions.

4. Moderate Fat Content: The dish contains a moderate amount of fat. Be mindful of saturated fat intake, as excessive consumption may contribute to heart health issues.

5. Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates come from breadcrumbs and the glaze. These provide energy but should be balanced in the overall diet.

6. Fiber Content: The dish is not particularly high in fiber, so consider adding fiber-rich sides to your meal for better digestive health.

7. Sugar Content: The sweet glaze contributes to the sugar content. While sugar adds flavor, it’s advisable to monitor sugar intake.

8. Balanced Diet: For a balanced diet, pair Arlene’s Ham Balls with vegetables or a salad to increase the nutrient density of the meal.

9. Serving Size: Pay attention to the serving size to ensure you’re not overindulging in calories and sodium.

10. Moderation: Enjoy this dish in moderation to maintain a well-rounded and healthy diet.

Remember that nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods, so it’s a good practice to calculate the precise nutrition facts based on the exact ingredients you use.