Not so Swedish

We called her Aunt Jean.  In reality, she wasn't anyone's aunt.  But, we all loved her and she loved us.  As teenagers away from home and going to high school in a foreign country, we were thrilled to have someone take an interest in us and invite us into their home.  Aunt Jean and Uncle Bob, who didn't have any kids of their own, made us feel like family in their home.  We were invited to Friday evening meals after the rush of a busy school week, or a Sunday afternoon of baking cookies and girl talk.  Aunt Jean listened to us complain about classes, schoolmates, and teachers.  She was our shoulder to cry on when our world fell apart after a breakup.  Aunt Jean was classy.  And, she was a great cook.  Lucky for us, she not only invited us to her table; she shared her recipes.

One of my favorites was her Swedish meatballs.  Well, okay, they weren't really meatballs and neither she nor I are Swedish.  But, oh boy, were they good!

I would never try to pass these off as Swedish meatballs.  However, they kind of look like meatballs and they are kind of presented in the same manner as the real deal.  If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, this is a good choice.  I have served them right beside "real" Swedish meatballs (marked appropriately) with good results from those brave enough to do the taste test.

I've eaten Aunt Jean's "not so Swedish" "not so meatballs" at her table many times.  And, I've enjoyed serving them at my own table in the years since.  Thanks, Aunt Jean!

Cream Cheese Balls 

INGREDIENTS

Balls:

 

8	oz cream cheese, softened
1	cup cracker crumbs
1	pkg Lipton’s onion soup mix
1	cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
3	eggs, well beaten
	dry bread crumbs or cracker crumbs

Sauce:

1	can Mushroom soup (condensed)
1	pkg country gravy mix

Directions

1. Mix cream cheese, cracker crumbs, onion soup mix, nuts, and eggs together.  Roll into small balls.  Then roll in bread crumbs or cracker crumbs.

 

2. Fry balls until golden.  Place in baking dish.

 

3. Mix condensed soup and gravy mix together.  Pour over fried balls.

4. Heat in 350° oven.