SPICY BEEF SKEWERS

The fragrant spices and full flavors of North African cuisine make these kabobs tasty and distinctive party fare.

—ROXANNE CHAN ALBANY, CA


PREP: 35 MIN. • BROIL: 5 MIN. • MAKES: 2 DOZEN (1 /2 CUP SAUCE)

1 cup white wine vinegar

3 /4 cup sugar

1 /2 cup water

1 tablespoon orange marmalade

1 /4 teaspoon grated orange peel

1 /4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 /2 cup finely chopped salted roasted almonds

2 tablespoons minced fresh mint

1 green onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1 /4 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cumin and coriander

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

Minced fresh parsley

1.  In a small saucepan, combine the first six ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, about 25 minutes or until reduced to 1 /2 cup.

2.  Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine almonds, mint, onion, lemon juice, garlic and spices. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Divide into 24 pieces. Shape each piece into a 3x1-in. rectangle; insert a soaked wooden appetizer skewer into each.

3.  Broil 6 in. from the heat 2-4 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°. Arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with sauce mixture and sprinkle with parsley.

PER SERVING 1 appetizer with 1 teaspoon sauce: 77 cal., 3g fat ( 1g sat. fat ) , 12mg chol., 20mg sodium, 8g carb. ( 7g sugars, 0 fiber ) , 4g pro.