Spinach Cheese Balls with Sauce

These make great appetizers!

Ingredients:

• 1 box (9 ounces) frozen spinach
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• vegetable oil for deep frying
• 3/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs
• marinara or pasta sauce for serving (about 25 ounces)

Directions:

• Remove frozen spinach from container and place in colander. Rinse with warm water until thawed; drain well. Squeeze dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel.
• Mix in large bowl egg, both cheeses, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, sour cream, oil and ricotta cheese until well blended. Add spinach to cheese mixture; mix well. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until well blended.
• Fill 10-inch skillet half full with oil; heat over medium heat until candy/deep-fry thermometer reads 350 degrees Farenheit. Or, if using an electric deep fryer, add oil to fill line and heat to same temperature.
• Place bread crumbs in a small bowl. Shape spinach-cheese mixture into 1 anad 1/2 inch balls (makes about 40), using about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons for each ball; roll in bread crumbs and place on a cookie sheet or tray.
• Fry spinach balls 6 at a time for about 4 to 6 minutes; turning as necessary; until they are golden brown. With a slotted spoon, remove balls from the skillet or fryer and place on paper towels to drain. Cool 2 minutes before serving.
• Serve with warm marinara or pasta sauce for dipping. You could also use a sour cream or ranch sauce as an additional dipping sauce.
• Makes 20 servings (2 balls each with 3 tablespoons sauce for each serving)

Source: http://www.HomeChef.blogspot.com

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2004-2006. All Rights Reserved.

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