Holiday Cranberry Kissing Ball Recipes

CRANBERRY KISSING BALL

Steps:

• Wrap wire tightly around diameter of foam ball once. Twist wire at top of ball to secure. Tuck ends into ball.
• Break toothpicks in half. Push cranberry onto broken end of toothpick; push other end of toothpick into foam ball. Continue until ball is well filled with cranberries.
• Fill in open spaces on ball with 1 1/2- to 2-inch cuts of eucalyptus, securing with pins.
• Slip ribbon through wire twist at top; tie ribbon to make loop for hanging ball. The cranberries will stay plump and pretty for about three to four days. To extend its life, hang the ball in a cool spot, such as in an entryway or on a porch.

KITTENCAL'S HOLIDAY CRANBERRY STUFFING BALLS

Steps:

• Remove the sausage from casings, then place the sausage in a skillet; brown over medium heat breaking up the meat into very small pieces while cooking (about 8 minutes) set aside.
• Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet; add in onion and celery; sauté for about 5-6 minutes or until very soft (adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes of cooking).
• Add in the cooked sausage back to the skillet, then add in the chicken broth; bring just to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits in the bottom of the skillet, then place the sausage/onion mixture into a large bowl.
• Add in the stuffing mixture packet along with the chopped cranberries, Parmesan cheese and eggs; mix until well combined.
• Season with lots of black pepper and a little salt.
• Cover and chill the mixture for about 2 hours.
• Using moistened hands form the mixture into small even balls and place the balls into a shallow greased casserole dish.
• If you find that the mixture is too moist and will not hold together well just add in a little dried bread crumbs, if it is too dry add in more broth or water, add in just enough to hold the balls together when shaped.
• Brush or drizzle the balls with melted butter.
• At this point you can cover the balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake later.
• Set oven to 350°F.
• Bake covered loosely with foil or bake uncovered (the balls with be more crispy on the outside if baked uncovered) for about 12-15 minutes (the baking time will vary slightly, it will depend on the size you shape the balls).