Bacon-Broccoli Bites [+ deep-frying]
From:	Jean-Claude B., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Comments:	Waiting time: 5 minutes Deep-Frying time: 3 to 3 1/2 minutes Serve hot, along with colorful raw vegetable bites, chutney or a sauce of your choice. On a buffet table, serve with all kinds of dips and relish.
Servings:	4
Ingredients	Preparation
8 ounces [227 g] broccoli flowerets 4 tablespoons [60 mL] water 4 ounces [110 g] bacon, crumbled Breadcrumbs 1 egg yolk 2 teaspoons [10 mL] grated Parmesan cheese Pinch of Cayenne pepper Salt and pepper, to taste 1 egg, beaten Oil for deep-frying Coating All-purpose flour 3 ounces [85 g] bran flakes, crumbled	Microwave broccoli flowerets with water, covered, for 7 to 8 minutes on 'MAXIMUM', stirring at half-time. Drain and wipe dry with paper toweling; chop. Sprinkle bacon crumbs onto a plate, lined with 2 paper towels. Cover with paper toweling; microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on 'MAXIMUM'; set aside for 5 minutes. Mix together coating ingredients [flour and bran flakes]; set aside. Mix together bread crumbs and egg yolk; mix in Parmesan cheese, Cayenne pepper, chopped broccoli flowerets, bacon crumbs, salt and pepper. Evenly spread mixture onto a large plate; thightly cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Equally divide mixture into 16 equal parts; shape into small balls. Dip balls into beaten egg; coat with breadcrumbs mixture. Arrange balls onto wax paper; refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oil to 350°F [180°C], into a deep-fryer. Transfer balls into deep-fryer's wire basket; slowly lower into hot oil. Deep-fry for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes, until golden brown and crunchy. Drain on paper toweling. Serve.