Friday, March 02, 2007

AUNT MARY'S RICE BALLS

4 cups rice (small grain or medium grain, if you can't find small)
7 & 1/2 cups of water
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder
1 stick of butter

Put all together in pot and cook until all water is absorbed.

Taste rice and if it feels too hard add a little more water a little at a time and cook until rice is tender.

Let rice cool

After it's cool, add 2 eggs one at a time and mix in well. Add approximately 1/4 cup of grated cheese and mix in well.

MEAT FILLING
Brown about 1 pound of chopped meat (beef or pork). Drain and add one 8 oz. can of delmonte sauce or any brand of tomato sauce you like. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

MOZZARELLA
Cut up some mozzarella.

TO ASSEMBLE RICE BALLS:
Put a little rice in your hand and put some meat and mozzarella in center, cover with a little more rice - shape into a ball and roll in bread crumbs. I find if I moisten my hands it's easier to roll the balls.

Deep fry.

Drain on paper towels.

I hope this recipe comes out good for you. It is a bit messy to work with but oh so worth it. My mom was certainly the expert rice ball maker and I hope that I am able to follow in her footsteps.