Mealtime Magic: Stuffed Mini Peppers and Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Stuffed Mini Peppers
Radio host and food and lifestyle writer Cindy Grosz aka @cindyscorners shares this tip for a quick, healthy appetizer. Try it with cucumbers, zucchini, or any firm vegetable. (Visit @cindyscorners for New Year product Give-away promotion.)

·        Mini peppers

·        1 package of your favorite Pereg grain mix (Freekeh with Vegetables, Quinoa with Spinach, Couscous with Cranberries, Basmati Rice Lemon & Herbs, etc.)

·        Add-ins of your choice (Chopped apples, dried fruits, sautéed leeks, mini cubes of grilled butternut squash)

·        Pereg Natural Mint OR Dill seasoning

Prepare the grain mixture according to package directions. Stir in add-in(s) of your choice.

Slice off the top of each mini pepper, scoop out the seeds, and fill with your stuffing. Garnish with mint or dill to taste.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Seasoned breadcrumbs add zest to this versatile dish from The Set Table.  It works as a hearty entrée or serve with toothpicks as an elegant hors d’oeuvres.

·        I pound ground beef

·        1 egg

·        ¼ cup Pereg Thai Sweet Chili Panko bread crumbs

·        1 diced onion

·        1 cup packed brown sugar

·        3 Tbsp. all purpose flour

·        1½ cups water

·        ¼ cup distilled vinegar

·        3 Tbsp. soy sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, panko, and onion. Mix thoroughly and shape into golf ball-sized balls (or smaller if serving as hors d’oeuvres). Gently brown the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, flour, water, white vinegar, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly. Add meatballs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for 30 minutes.

About Pereg:

Pereg was established in 1906, and is based in Clifton, NJ. They first became known for their vast variety of pure and natural spices and spice blends, more than 60 in all, from traditional favorites to exotics from around the culinary world.

Today Pereg produces an array of all-natural products that includes ancient grains and ancient grain blends, gluten free pasta, couscous, rice, gluten-free cereal and much more. Pereg Natural Foods products are available at select retailers throughout the US and Canada, and on their website, www.pereg-gourmet.com.

Pereg manufactures all its products from start to finish, controlling the quality from the sourcing until the product is packed and ready for the consumer. All Pereg products are kosher certified by both the Orthodox Union (OU) and CRC, are dairy and lactose-free as well as all natural, with no additives or preservatives. Many products are also certified gluten-free and non-GMO. Follow Pereg Natural Foods on Facebook.com/peregnatural, Twitter @pereggourmet and Instagram @peregnatural.