Turkey-Cheese Surprises

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
1/2 cup (125 ml) stuffing mix
1/2 cup (125 ml) finely chopped tart apple
1/2 cup (125 ml) plus 2 tablespoons (30 ml) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) poultry seasoning
Garlic salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter or margarine
1/2 cup (125 ml) finely chopped onion
2 eggs
1/4 cup (60 ml) Polly-O ricotta cheese
4 ounces (120 g) Polly-O mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch (1.5 cm) cubes
1 cup (250 ml) dry bread crumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Cranberry sauce for serving
Orange twist, orange peel and fresh sage sprigs for garnish

PROCEDURES:

1. Combined turkey, stuffing mix, apple 2 tablespoon (30 ml) Parmesan cheese and poultry seasoning in large bowl; season with garlic salt and pepper.

2. Heat butter in small skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until onion is tender but not brown. Add onion with butter, eggs and ricotta cheese to turkey mixture; blend well. If mixture seems too dry, add a little milk.

3. For each meatball, shape small amount of turkey mixture around a cube of mozzarella cheese.

4. Mix bread crumbs and remaining 1/2 cup (125 ml) Parmesan cheese in large, shallow dish. Roll cheese-filled meatballs in mixture to coat well.

5. Heat 1/4 inch (6 mm) oil in large, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs, a few at a time, until brown on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.

6. Serve with cranberry sauce. garnish, if desired.

~ Makes about 2 dozen meatballs