Name: Mini Swedish Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and chopped; 4 tbsp. butter; 1/4 c. heavy cream; kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 slice white bread, crumbled; 1/4 c. whole milk; 3 tbsp. butter, divided; 1/2 c. finely diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 lb. lean ground beef; 1/2 lb. lean ground pork; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp. ground allspice; 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg; 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 c. warm beef broth; 2 tbsp. heavy cream, optional; Freshly sliced chives, for garnish

Step 1Make the mashed potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then continue to boil until potatoes are fork tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain.

Step 2Add butter and cream to potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash until you reach desired consistency. Adjust seasonings if necessary, then cover and set aside.

Step 3Make the meatballs: Preheat oven to 375º and line a baking sheet with parchment. Combine bread and milk in a large mixing bowl and stir until combined. Set aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onions and garlic and cook until onions are softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and add to bread and milk mixture. Let cool, 5 minutes.

Step 4Add beef, pork, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the mixing bowl and thoroughly mix together. Form 2 teaspoon-sized meatballs and place onto prepared baking sheet, 1/2" apart, then bake until just cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 5Make the gravy: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining tablespoon butter and whisk in flour. Continue to whisk 1 minute, then slowly whisk in beef broth, making sure to whisk any lumps. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until gravy is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and stir in cream, if using. Add meatballs to the gravy and toss together.

Step 6Spread mashed potatoes on a large platter and top with meatballs. Ladle more gravy over the top and garnish with chives.