Aunt Lil's Spinach Balls

1. 1

   Place the spinach in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 4-5 minutes on high or until thawed.

2. 2

   Drain and squeeze out excess liquid (I put the spinach in a colander and then use a spoon to press out the liquid).

3. 3

   If using the mushrooms or onions, saute them in bit of oil until translucent.

4. 4

   Drain all liquid.

5. 5

   In a large bowl, combine spinach, butter, salt, 1 egg, garlic and 3/4 cup bread crumbs.

6. 6

   Mix well.

7. 7

   Make balls from spinach mixture by taking a small amount of spinach and rolling in your hands.

8. 8

   Make the balls 1 1/2 - 2 inches in diameter.

9. 9

   Wet your hands under running cold water as you make the balls to keep the spinach from sticking to your hands (you'll need to rewet them a couple of times).

10. 10

    In a small bowl, combine 1 beaten egg and 1/4 cup water.

11. 11

    Beat well.

12. 12

    In another small bowl, place approximately 1 cup bread crumbs.

13. 13

    Roll each spinach ball in the bread crumbs, then the egg/water mixture, then in the bread crumbs again.

14. 14

    Add more water to the egg if you start to run out before you finish them all.

15. 15

    In a large skillet, fry the spinach balls in butter until all sides are lightly browned.

16. 16

    Use 1-2 tablespoons of butter for each batch of balls, leaving enough room in the pan to move them around so they can be well browned.

17. 17

    Place in a 9 x 11 baking dish or another similar dish with low sides.

18. 18

    Freeze or refrigerate until ready to serve.

19. 19

    Before serving, heat thawed spinach balls for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.