Method 1:  Select 8 stems of thyme about 10-15 cms in length. Using one tablespoon of mixture shape into a ball around thyme stems making 4 balls for each stem. Cook in a moderate pan with olive oil until brown.  Serve over hokkein noodles with stir-fry Asian greens. Top with spicy plum sauce or sweet chilli sauce.

Method 2: Roll into small balls (approx. 2 cm in diameter).  Place in lightly greased baking dishes and bake in a moderately hot oven for 25-30 mins.

These meatballs can be stored frozen and used in the following ways:

• use as a cold cocktail snack dipped into spicy plum sauce, or sweet chilli sauce.
• cook with curry sauce and serve on rice with yoghurt and cucumber raita and garnished with fresh coriander.
• cook with tomato, onion and basil sauce and serve over pasta, garnished with fresh basil.