Appetizer Meatballs

This New Year's Eve we had a great feast with lots of delicious appetizers to snack on throughout the night and festivities.  My contribution was making some super simple meatballs that have been a big hit in the past.  This recipe is great because it is so easy, requires only a few ingredients, and tastes like you slaved all day over it!


Cocktail Meatballs


3 lbs frozen pre-made meatballs 
3 bottles (16 oz.) smoky BBQ sauce
2 jars (18 oz.) apricot preserves
1 cup dried apricots, small diced (about 1/4" cubes)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper


-Pour the preserves into a large pot over medium-high heat on the stove.
-Add the apricots, lemon zest and juice, as well as the cayenne and stir frequently to melt the preserves.
-Cook the preserves for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the preserves don't burn.
-Add the BBQ sauce and stir to combine.
-Pour about half fo the sauce into the bottom of a large crock pot, then add the frozen meatballs, and pour the rest of the sauce over the top of the meatballs.
-Cook on high for about 3 hours, stirring once every hour or so.
-Turn down the crock pot's heat to low and serve with toothpicks.




The sauce has a nice sweet & spicy flavor, and the addition of the smokiness with the brightness from the lemon make this sauce a winner for me!  I just love that there is a depth of flavor, and it is so simple!