Instructions: Soak 8 bamboo skewers in hot water to cover for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, thoroughly mix sausage, minced basil, and fennel seeds. Shape into about 1-inch balls (you should have 24). Wrap a basil leaf around each meatball, lightly pressing it into meat so its sticks (leaf does not have to cover entire meatball). Thread 3 meatballs on each skewer.

Place on a greased grill 2 to 4 inches above a solid bed of hot coals. Cook, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until no longer pink in center when cut (about 10 minutes).

TURKEY MEATBALLS WRAPPED in BASIL LEAVES: Follow directions for Meatballs Wrapped in Basil Leaves, but substitute 1 lb. ground turkey breast for sausage. Do not grill; instead, place skewers on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 450F. oven, turning once, until meat is no longer pink in center when cut (about 8 minutes).

Yield: 8 appetizers
T(Cooking Time):
"0:10"

NOTES : For an alternative with less fat, try the variation using ground turkey.

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