Grilled Meatballs

Preheat a grill over medium-high heat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In a small fry pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop, cook the bacon until just crispy, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all but 1 Tbs. of the fat from the pan and set the pan over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and begins to brown, about 6 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine the onion, bacon, ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, parsley, thyme, the 1 tsp. salt and pepper, to taste. Using a spoon or your hands, gently mix until the ingredients are just combined.

Spray the inside of both halves of the wells of a meatball grill basket with nonstick cooking spray. Form about 3 Tbs. (a little less than 2 oz.) of the meat mixture into a meatball and place in the bottom half of a well. Repeat with the remaining mixture to form 11 more meatballs. Close and clasp the lid and place the basket on the grill. Cover the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Turn the basket over, cover the grill and continue cooking until the meatballs are cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes more.

Using tongs, remove the meatballs from the basket and serve with your favorite barbecue sauce alongside, or toss the meatballs with the sauce. Makes 12 meatballs.