thai meatballs and peanut sauce

                               this recipe is easy and makes a good appetizer with a bit of 'zing'.

ingredients for the meatballs
1 pound of ground pork
2 tablespoons dried cilantro (sub fresh if you have it on hand)
1 tablespoon lime rind,grated
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large carrot, shredded
1 egg, beaten
salt and pepper to taste

preheat oven to 400 degrees. line a jellyroll pan with foil and lightly spray.
mix all the ingredients and shape into balls about 1 1/2 inches and place on baking sheet.
bake for 20 minutes.

the peanut sauce can be made ahead and will keep in the refrigerator for several days. it can be served warm or at room temperature.

 ingredients for peanut sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic,minced
1/2 teaspoon chili paste...more if you like heat
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
pinch or 2 of sugar
3/4 cup of water

in a saucepan, saute garlic and chili paste for a minute and add remaining ingredients . Simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

                                                all that is missing is the toothpicks...enjoy!