Basil Leaf Meatballs(Makes up to 8 Appetizers)
1 lb bulk pork sausage 1 tsp crushed fennel seeds ½ cup minced fresh basil leaves
24 large fresh basil leaves 8 bamboo skewers
Directions:
Soak 8 bamboo skewers in hot water to cover for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, thoroughly mix sausage, minced basil, and fennel seeds. Shape into about 1-inch balls (you should have 24). Wrap a basil leaf around each meatball, lightly pressing it into meat so it sticks (leaf does not have to cover entire meatball). Thread 3 to 5 meatballs on each skewer. Place on a greased grill 2 to 4 inches above a solid bed of hot coals (or under the broiler). Cook, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until no longer pink in center when cut (about 10 minutes).
Alternative Turkey Meatballs: Follow directions above but substitute 1 lb ground turkey for sausage. Do not grill; instead, place skewers on rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 450ºF oven, turning once, cook until meat is no longer pink in the center when cut (about 8 minutes).