Oven Baked Bourbon Meatballs for 12

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Note: Doing this first ensures the oven is actually at temperature when the meat goes in.
2. In a large bowl, combine 450g (1 lb) ground beef, 450g (1 lb) ground pork, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, one beaten egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients by hand until just combined. Stop as soon as you don't see streaks of egg.
4. Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls. Place them on the baking sheet with a bit of space between each one.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the meatballs are set and slightly browned on the edges.
6. While the meat is in the oven, combine 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper in a saucepan.
7. Whisk over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is smooth.
8. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens into a glossy, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
9. Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them directly into the saucepan. Toss gently to coat every single meatball in the glaze.
10. Put the glazed meatballs back on the baking sheet and roast for another 5-8 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and tacky.