Appetizer Ham Bites

Appetizer Ham Bites
Recipe By :Southern Living 5 Star Recipe Collection

1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs -- divided
1 cup ground cooked ham
2 eggs -- beaten
1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese -- ( 2ozs.)
1/4 cup grated onion
2 Tbsps. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
Vegetable oil
Sweet Mustard Sauce (recipe below)

Combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, ground ham, eggs, shredded cheese, grated onion, brown sugar and mustard in a large bowl, stir well.

Shape ham mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in remaining bread crumbs, pressing firmly so that crumbs adhere. Cover and chill ham balls thoroughly.

Deep-fry ham balls in hot oil (375°F) for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with Sweet Mustard
Sauce. Yield: 2 1/2 dozen

Sweet Mustard Sauce
2 Tbsps. brown sugar
2 Tbsps. butter or margarine
2 Tbsps. all-purpose flour
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Combine brown sugar and butter in a heavy saucepan; cook over low heat until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add half-and-half; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in mustard, vinegar
and ginger; stir well. Remove from heat.
Cool slightly. Yield: 1 1/3 cups
Yield: "2 1/2 Dozen"