AVOCADO ARANCINI WITH CREAMY AVOCADO RANCH DIP

Steps:

• Cook the rice according to the package directions. Spread the cooked rice out on a cookie sheet and let cool for 10 minutes, then place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until cold.
• While the rice chills, cook the bacon until crisp, then drain well on paper towels. Crumble the bacon and set aside until ready to use.
• Cut the 2 Mexican avocados in half and remove the pits. Scrape the flesh from 3 of the 4 halves into a medium mixing bowl. Scrape the 4th avocado half into a separate small bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to each bowl and mash the contents of both bowls well with a fork. Add the sour cream and ranch dressing mix to the small bowl and whisk together until you have a smooth, creamy consistency, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use. To the medium mixing bowl, add the oregano, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, cooked bacon, salt and pepper and mix well. Stir in the cooked, chilled rice and mix well again.
• Beat the two eggs in a small shallow bowl. Pour the Italian bread crumbs into a small shallow dish.
• Pour enough canola oil into a medium frying pan to reach a depth of 3/4 inch. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 350 degrees. Use a teaspoon to scoop up the rice mixture and roll it into 1-inch diameter balls. Place each rice ball into the egg, then into the bread crumbs to coat. Fry the arancini in small batches in the hot oil for 3 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Transfer the cooked arancini to a paper towel lined platter to drain. Serve them warm with the cool avocado ranch dip.