Scandinavian Meatballs - cooking recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs
1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
3/4 cup milk
1 onion, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten to blend
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground veal
1/2 lb ground lean pork
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
For the Gravy
butter (if necessary)
1 large onion, sliced
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups canned beef consomme
1 cup whipping cream
fresh ground pepper

Preparation

For Meatballs;.
Soak breadcrumbs in milk in medium bowl for 10 minutes.
Mix in onion, eggs and seasonings.
Add meats and beat with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until light and fluffy.
Handling gently,form mixture into 2-inch-diameter meatballs; smooth balls between moistened palms.
Place in baking pan;refrigerate until firm.
Melt butter in large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add meatballs in batches (do not crowd) and cook until browned on all sides, shaking pan occasionally, about 5 minutes.
Drain on paper towels; reserve drippings in skillet.
Layer meatballs in deep 4-quart oven-proof casserole or baking dish.
For Gravy:.
Measure pan drippings and return 3 tablespoons to skillet, adding some butter if necessary.
Add onion and cook over medium-low heat until tender, about 8 minutes.
Add flour and stir 2 minutes.
Gradually mix in consomme and cream.
Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally;season with pepper.
Strain over meatballs.
(Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Bring to room temperature before continuing.).
Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Bake casserole until meatballs are heated through, about 45 minutes; serve hot.