amazing appetizer: mini meatball cups

How To Make amazing appetizer: mini meatball cups

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Gather your ingredients.
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  Step 3
  Chef’s Tip: The meatballs should be small, only about 1-inch (2.5cm) in diameter, fully cooked and completely frozen (more on freezing the meatballs later).
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  Step 4
  Place the defrosted puff pastry sheet on a clean surface, dusted with a bit of flour.
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  Step 5
  Cut the dough, into 2-inch (4cm) squares.
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  Step 6
  Chef’s Tip: The size of your pastry squares will vary a bit, depending on the type of mini muffin pan you are using.
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  Step 7
  Chef's Tip: If you have some puff pastry scraps, just brush them with butter, sprinkle with some sugar and cinnamon, and then pop into the oven... YUM.
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  Step 8
  Lightly oil the muffin pan.
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  Step 9
  Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 400f (205c).
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  Step 10
  Chef’s Note: 400f (205c) is the standard temperature for working with puff pastry.
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  Step 11
  Add the dough to cups of the mini pan.
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  Step 12
  Place one of the frozen meatballs into each one of the cups.
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  Step 13
  Chef’s Note: Why cook your meatballs, and then freeze them? Well, I tried doing the meatballs three ways: 1. Precooked, but not frozen… Meatballs come out overcooked and dry. 2. Raw, frozen or unfrozen… Meatballs never cook completely through. 3. Precooked, and frozen… Meatballs come out hot and juicy.
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  Step 14
  Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through, and the pastry is crispy and golden.
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  Step 15
  Remove from the oven, add 1/2 teaspoon of the marinara sauce to the top of each meatball cup.
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  Step 16
  Chef's Tip: If the weather is really cold, add a bit of cayenne to the marinara sauce.
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  Step 17
  Sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese.
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  Step 18
  Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
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  Step 19
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 20
  Serve while still warm, on a nice serving platter. Enjoy.
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  Step 21
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!