Apple Cheddar Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

This recipe combine two of my favorite things - meatballs and Thanksgiving or at least flavors that are reminiscent of Thanksgiving. We are not big fans of ground turkey in this house as it is usually dry and not as flavorful as beef. However Whole Foods carries all dark meat ground turkey and it was great in this recipe. This is one of my husbands favorites although the toddler was not a fan of "raisins" in her meatballs. 2 year olds are tough critics.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (I used dark meat)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tsp dried or fresh minced onion
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 green apple, shredded
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries

Glaze

• 3/4 cup apple juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• dash of crushed red pepper flakes
• cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons cold water
• 2 teaspoons corn starch

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl mix all the meatball ingredients until thoroughly combined. Shape into golf ball sized meatballs and place onto a greased cookie sheet. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until meatballs are browned and cooked through. Toss cooked meatballs in the glaze and serve. 

For the glaze: Mix together cornstarch and cold water until smooth, set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in small sauce pan over medium heat. When glaze starts to bubble whisk in cornstarch slurry and stir rapidly. When glaze is desired consistency remove from heat. Serve over meatballs.