There's something about smoke and glaze that is a welcome combination for all holiday get togethers. Vegetarian meatballs are a wonderful treat anytime of year, but during the holiday season you can really dress them up and not be accused of showing off. Behold... the best guarded meatball tips.

Meatballs can easily run the risk of being plain and boring. Why not dress them up with a nice smokey glaze application.

Here's what you'll need:
1 saucepan - medium
1 skillet - large
1 mixing bowl - large
1 baking dish - large [lasagna pan will do]
1 spatula
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Onion - medium, diced
1 cup Cranberries - fresh or 1/2 cup dried
1 tbsp orange zest [1 medium - large]
1 tbsp Liquid smoke - hickory
1 18oz jar - Reduced Sugar Organic Apricot Preserves [Trader Joe's brand -preferably]
Fresh Herbs [chopped - Mint; Cilantro; Basil; Chives; etc. - totally optional]
Chipotle Powder - to taste
Fruit juice - your choice [you decide whether you want more tang or sweet - I prefer the tang of lemon or lime juice or apple cider vinegar for a good contrast.]
Margarine - Earth Balance brand [it's non-hydrogenated]

Here's what you're going to do:
Preheat oven 350 degrees Farhenheit. In a saucepan saute your onion with margarine/extra virgin olive oil and salt until translucent. Incorporate cranberries and chipotle powder then add liquid smoke, orange zest. preserves and fruit juice, simmer and add fresh chopped herbs to your glaze just before pouring over meatballs.

Meanwhile... take your vegetarian meatballs and do a quick fry to crisp and sear them to lock in all the juices and flavor. Place the meatballs in the mixing bowl while glaze is finishing up [you'll know that it's finished because it will have a slightly thinner consistency and the aromas will be perfectly blended]. Pour glaze over meatballs, gently fold meatballs until completely covered. Transfer to baking dish and bake covered for 20 - 25 minutes or/until done, then remove cover and let brown for 10 minutes. Plate. [You can arrange in a three dimensional, three sided, stacked pyramid.]
Garnish with more fresh herbs and spices. Voila! Bon Apetite!

For more information or to have one of your questions answered, drop me a line, stop by my forum, join my Vegetarian Resource Newsletter and definitely stay tuned in as I bring you more articles to help you effortlessly achieve your best, health, well being and wholeness throughout the life of your diet and your holiday season.

As always... It's been my heartfelt pleasure to share with you. Happy holidays and many returns.

Until next time...