Friday, March 25, 2011

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.  ;)

15 comments:

  1. I am definitely looking forward to these they look so yummy and I love the video demonstration and of course thank Gabe for the back ground music...lol Love this! Thanks so much!

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  2. @De I'm planning on getting that broccoli cassarole you wanted posted soon. I haven't forgotten.

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  3. Those look scrumdeliumcious!! My kids would love those. Following from the blog hop. Hope you can stop by.
    God Bless,
    Shelley

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  4. I bet my daughter would love these! For being 13, she loves broccoli! That being said,
    Hello..new follower from Weekend hop. Would love for you to visit www.fingerclicksaver.com and return the follow. HAGW!

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  5. This sounds delicious! And I will wait for the broccoli casserole recipe too!

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  6. I now see that you are asking for suggestions. Here's one -- how to prepare some meals using canned tuna fish. As much as I like tuna sandwiches, I love to know what else to do with it.

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  7. @Shelley & FCS My son likes them very much. He loves broccoli.
    @Debra Tuna fish, huh? Let me see what I can find. FYI, Hamburger Helper actually makes box meals made for canned tuna. There's a quick EASY suggestion for your tuna. I'll see what else I can locate for you.

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  8. New follower from Spotlight Saturday, love your blog. Please feel free to follow me back. :)
    http://wellnesswithdiabetes.blogspot.com

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  9. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my Shhhhh! Those Balls look yummy, Lol =) I am bookmarking this page so I can try this recipe this weekend.

    TLC
    http://shhhhhjustbetweenume.blogspot.com

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  10. I am following from the Monday Hop, hoping to get you off #13 quickly:)
    The 'balls' look very good, thanks. Come visit at:
    childhoodmyths.blogspot.com

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  11. @Amber Thanks for visiting.
    @Tiff Your going to love them!
    @Diane & Chad They are delicious!

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  12. my daughter would love these thanks for sharing I am your new follower from http://shopannies.blogspot.com with recipes like yours I just had to join up

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  13. @Shop I hope your daughter enjoyed them.

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  14. Oh my gosh - these look so good! I'll have to make them soon! : ) New follower from the Monday Hop. I hope you will stop by and follow me back! : )

    aimee @
    justkiddingaroundatlanta.blogspot.com

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  15. oo these look yummy! thanks for sharing, found you over at Concours d'Cuisine

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