Fig And Goat Cheese Meatballs

• 1 cup panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
• 1 log (4 ounces) fresh goat cheese
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 whole star anise
• 1 cup dried figs, chopped
• 1 cup water
• Chopped fresh chives, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350u0b0. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and eggs. Add sausage; mix lightly but thoroughly. Divide into 36 portions. Shape each portion around 1/2 teaspoon cheese to cover completely. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until cooked through, 25-30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and star anise to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Discard cinnamon, cloves and star anise. Add figs; cook until softened, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer to a blender. Add 1 cup water; process until almost smooth. Serve with meatballs. If desired, top meatballs with chopped chives.
3. Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan, stirring gently; add a little water if necessary.

bread crumbs, eggs, italian sausage, fresh goat cheese, red wine vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, dried figs, water, fresh chives

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/fig-and-goat-cheese-meatballs/ (may not work)