The Husker fever after Nebraska’s last-second victory against Northwestern swept across the state faster than the snow storm that arrived this week. Everyone seems to have a story about where they were or what they were doing when the Huskers scored on the final play of the game.

This sense of belonging to the Husker community got me thinking about the other communities I belong to. Of course, I’m a Husker fan, but I’m also a mother, a daughter, and a friend. I’m a cook, a one-woman cleaning crew, and a reader of bedtime stories.

I’m also a farmer. And I feel blessed every day to go to work to provide food for our family and yours.

This past weekend got me thinking about all the things that bring people together. I strongly believe that food is one of those uniting forces. So, I thought I would share my recipe for BBQ meatballs with you all. From my table to yours, I hope this recipe brings as much joy, good conversations, and laughter around your table as it does mine.

Oh yeah, and it doesn’t hurt that you can enjoy them this weekend for the Husker game.

All the best,
Chandra

BBQ Meatballs

 Ingredients

• 13 ounces evaporated milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 pounds hamburger
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 cups quick oatmeal
• ½ teaspoon of pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 cup onions, chopped

Sauce

• 2 cups ketchup
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1½ cups brown sugar
• ½ cup onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke ( do not omit)

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs in a large mixing bowl.
2. Form the hamburger mixture into balls roughly the size of a walnut and set aside.
3. Combine the ingredients for the sauce.
4. Reduce over medium to medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.
5. Pour sauce over meatballs
6. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with tin foil.
7. Cover and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
8. Take the cover off and bake for an additional 30 minutes at the same temperature.

NOTE: Feel free to substitute this homemade sauce for your family’s favorite BBQ sauce.