Meatballs:

2 lb. lean ground beef
1 tbsp. seasoned salt
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3/4 cups water
2 tsp. lemon peel
1 (8 oz.) pkg. diced dates

Mix ground beef and remaining meatball ingredients until well blended and dates are dispersed through mixture. Set aside.

Sauce:

3 (10 3/4 oz. each) cans condensed tomato soup
1 1/2 soup cans of water
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1 (8 oz.) pkg. diced dates

Place tomato soup in a large (5-6 quart), heavy saucepan. Add water, brown sugar and lemon juice. Mix well. Bring to a slow boil, uncovered, over medium heat. Then simmer. Stir occasionally.

Using about 1 teaspoon of meat mixture, shape with hands into balls and drop into simmering liquid. Repeat until meat mixture is used. Simmer meatballs in sauce, uncovered, 15 minutes. Add dates. Mix carefully. Simmer an additional 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until sauce thickens.

Serves 8-10 as a hearty appetizer.

Submitted by: Linda Stewart