Waikiki Meatballs

What has become of the electric skillet?  I pulled mine out to make this recipe and Phil  gasped, "I love it when you use the skillet!  It reminds me of how long we've been married."  The harvest gold color and the marks of wear and tear tell you that my skillet is somewhat of an antique.  The good news is that after 30 years both skillet and marriage are running strong, but his comment got me thinking, does anyone under the age of fifty use an electric skillet?  I can't say I've seen it requested on bridal registries of late.  Mom loved her electric skillet and some of her best dishes were prepared in it.   I'm certain she used it to make these yummy meatballs.  I made these for a Superbowl gathering and they were a big hit.

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
2/3 c. cracker crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup minced onion

Mix all of the above ingredients until well blended.  Shape mixture by rounded tablespoons into balls.

Melt 1 tablespoon of shortening in a large skillet.  Brown and cook meatballs.  Remove meatballs and keep warm.  Pour fat from skillet.

Pineapple Sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup chopped green or red bell pepper
1 can (13 1/2 ounce) pineapple tidbits (drain and reserve juice)
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup vinegar

Mix cornstarch and sugar.  Stir in reserved pineapple juice, vinegar and soy sauce.  Stir until smooth.  Pour into skillet and stir over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils.  Boil and stir one minute. Add meatballs, pineapple, and minced peppers.  Heat through.

Makes 6 servings