Bite Into These Big Balls

Broccoli Balls are a staple at get-togethers in our family.  They are requested, sot after, demanded…no, REQUIRED or they won’t even let me attend the function.  My family can be cruel.

For many years my sister and I would make “dates” to go eat at a restaurant called Copeland’s where we would order and enjoy a few appetizers and I would sip a few grown-up drinks.  My sister was either underage or pregnant most of the time. 

One year, we decided for a Christmas party we would make the balls ourselves.  After a few different attempts I think we have perfected the taste to closely replicate the restaurant’s delicious flavor explosion.   The balls were the easy part to duplicate.  The sauce on the other hand was a bit trickier. 

Theirs

I do not think it is exactly like Copeland’s but I think I’ve gotten it fairly close.  I think ours has a more tangy mustard taste which I think compliments the broccoli balls very well.

What you’ll need for the balls:

not pictured, bacon pieces...oops!

1 lb. bag frozen broccoli cuts, thawed     ½ cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese           ½ tsp baking powder

1 egg                                                         ½ salt

1 cup milk                                                  ½ veggie oil

¾ cup of bacon  pieces                             2 cups of bread crumbs

Veggie oil for frying (depends on deep fryer or pot size)

1.)  Put broccoli into food processor.  Pulse lightly.  Toss in large mixing bowl with cheese and bacon.  Set aside.

2.)  In a separate bowl, beat egg.  Add milk.  Stir.  Add flour, baking powder, and salt.  Combine, beating well.  Add ½ veggie oil. 

Pour mixture over broccoli and cheese and toss to coat well.

3.)  Fill deep fryer with oil, high enough to be able to cover balls.  Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Form broccoli mixture into balls by spooning mixture into palm and adding bread crumbs.  Once a firmer consistency is formed, roll ball in bread crumbs to coat out layer. 

See video for a demonstration.

4.)  Drop balls in hot oil and fry until golden brown.

What you’ll need for the sauce:

¾ cup Dijon mustard                                     ¼ tsp salt

½ cup honey                                                  1 tsp black pepper

2 tsp horseradish                                          1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1.)  In a small bowl, combine all the above ingredients. 

Mix well.  Best served at room temperature with broccoli balls.

Consider yourself privy to a coveted family (sort-of stolen) secret.  I'll probably be disowned now.  I hope you are proud of yourself.  ;)