Recipe: Rice Cheese balls or Arancini

 So the other day I had cooked up a bunch of rice cause I wanted to make some rice pudding.  I over estimated how much I would need (what can I say... I can do the math but my cold-fogged head messed up).  Anyways, I had a whack of rice and wanted to lessen the amount of leftovers.  (ever been there??).

I found Five Easy Recipes that use leftover rice and made what I call rice cheese balls, but what they call Arancini.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 8 small cubes fresh mozzarella - if using store bought mozzarella let it sit out for a bit to get warm and soft.
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Oil, for frying
• 1 cup marinara sauce (didn't use)

Directions:
1. Place a large pot over medium heat, adding enough vegetable oil to rise 4 inches in the pot.
2. Combine the rice, Parmesan, and 1 egg in a medium bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly combine the mixture. 
3. Whisk together the remaining 2 eggs in a small bowl.
4. Measure the breadcrumbs into a small bowl.  I did not need the 1 cup, could probably get away with 1/2 cup.
5. Take a small portion of the mixture, forming a ball around a cube of mozzarella. 
6. Dip each arancini in the eggs and then in the breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess.  NOTE: to do this I placed each round on a spoon and then spooned the egg over top of it, turning as necessary.  DO NOT dip them.. they will completely fall apart on you.  Then roll them in breadcrumbs.
7. Once the oil reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit, add 2 or 3 of the breaded arancini to the pot, frying them until golden brown and cooked throughout.
8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried arancini from the pot and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Immediately salt the arancini. Repeat the frying process with the remaining arancini.  I did not salt them but I dislike excess salt, hubby found it unnecessary, your tastes may vary.

If you want, dip them in the marinara sauce.
If you are like hubby - seafood sauce is really great with them, or ketchup, or dijon mustard.  Threaten to scarf down all nine balls lovely wife made.  :)
If you are like the lad and mom - no sauce necessary..just eat up and enjoy and look for seconds.  :)

They are best served warm.

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