Deep Fried Ham Balls Food

CHEESY COUNTRY HAM GRIT BALLS

Steps:

• Fill a large Dutch oven two-thirds full with oil and heat over medium-high heat to 360 degrees F.
• Add 2 tablespoons oil to a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ham and cook just until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a large bowl. Add the grits and cheese to the bowl and stir until combined. Using wet hands, scoop 1/4 cup of the grit mixture, roll it into a ball and place on a platter or large plate. Repeat until all the grit mixture is used.
• Whisk together the flour, paprika and cayenne in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, add the eggs. Add the panko to another separate shallow bowl. Dip each grit ball into the flour mixture and shake to remove any excess before dipping into the eggs and then into the panko, spinning to coat completely.
• Add the grit balls to the Dutch oven in batches, frying until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove to a sheet pan lined with a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with salt.

VIRGINIA HAM AND CHEESE BALLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine ground ham, cream cheese, hot sauce and mustard until well blended. Roll into a ball and then roll in chopped peanuts. Garnish with cherry on top of ball. Serve on cheeseboard with crackers.

DEEP FRIED HAM

Steps:

• Thaw ham completely and pat dry.
• (When deep frying moisture on the surface will cause a lot of oil popping and splattering, be careful) Marinade (if using) Inject whatever marinade you want to use into several place throughout the ham (I recommend 10-15 spots).
• Place the ham in the steamer basket that comes with most turkey deep fryers and CAREFULLY and SLOWLY lower the ham into the hot oil (350-375 degrees).
• There is a lot of water in the ham!
• Since I couldn't put it in otherwise you must cook the ham about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per pound depending on the size of the ham and how much it cools down the oil.
• Obviously a smaller ham will take less time if the oil is hotter and a bigger ham will take longer even with the oil hot.
• If when you start the oil cools down don't worry just watch the temp and adjust your cooking time.
• Also for a bigger ham you would want to use less oil in the deep fryer so it doesn't overflow when the ham is lowered inches.

HAM AND CHEESE ARANCINI (ITALIAN FRIED RICE BALLS)

Steps:

• Saute onion in 1 T butter over medium heat until translucent and beginning to brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• In a bowl lightly beat 2 eggs. Stir in cooked rice, ham, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, sauteed onion, seasoned salt, garlic salt, parsley and pepper.
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Roll into 1-1/2-inch balls.and press a cheese cube into each ball, reshaping around the cheese.(I have used havarti and swiss in place of the cheddar with fantastic results!).
• Place the flour into a small bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in a second small bowl. Place the dry breadcrumbs in a third small bowl.
• Dip each ball into flour, then into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs.
• Heat oil to 375 degrees, then fry rice balls until golden brown (about 4 minutes). You can also shallow fry them in oil, turning to brown.
• Drain on paper towels and enjoy! They are nice dipped in french onion dip, ranch dip or all on their own.

SUPER AMAZING DEVILED HAM CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except pecans.
• Form into two balls.
• Roll balls in pecans until covered.
• Wrap in foil and chill for at least three hours.
• Serve with crackers.