VEGETARIAN ARTICHOKE BALLS

Steps:

• Drain artichoke hearts saving juice for later.
• Mash hearts in a small bows using a fork or your fingers.
• Add 1 c of bread crumbs, 2Tbsp Parmesan cheese, and 2 Tbsp of the artichoke juice to the mashed hearts.
• Mix well.
• Add beaten eggs to mixture.
• Mixture should have the consistency of a stuffing.
• If mixture is too dry, add more artichoke juice to the desired consistency.
• Set aside.
• In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and saute for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Add artichoke mixture to the skillet and cook with garlic for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• After cooking, remove from skillet to another bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
• Chill for 30 minutes.
• While mixture is chilling, prepare 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and 1/2 c of bread crumbs in a small bowl.
• After mixture is chilled and firm, remove from refrigerator and form into small balls.
• Roll balls in the cheese/bread crumb mixture.
• Refrigerate balls until ready to serve.
• (I personally like them at room temperature for at least 5 minutes before eating.).