Play Ball Rice Bites

• For the dip:
• 2 cans (4 ounces each) mixed fruit in juice, half drained
• 1/4 cup canned tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• For the rice balls:
• 1 can (8.25 ounces) mixed vegetables, no-salt added, drained
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown), warm
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and ground pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup finely crushed crisp rice cereal
• Spray oil for baking or oil for frying

1. To make the dip: Puree the mixed fruit, tomato paste and vinegar in a blender or food processor; set aside.
2. To make the rice balls: Puree the mixed vegetables, egg, garlic and Worcestershire sauce in a blender or food processor. Mix with rice, cheese, salt and pepper until completely combined.
3. Preheat oven to 375u0b0F, or heat oil in a deep fryer to 375u0b0F.
4. Scoop tablespoon-size balls of the rice mixture and gently form into balls, rolling them in the crushed rice cereal to coat.
5. If baking: line a rimmed cookie sheet with foil and spray with oil. Place balls on the sheet and spray with more oil. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool for 3 minutes.
6. If frying: fry in the deep fryer in small batches until crisp and brown, about 1 minute per batch. Drain on paper towels.

mixed fruit, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, rice, mixed vegetables, egg, clove garlic, worcestershire sauce, rice, shredded cheese, salt, crisp rice, oil

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/play-ball-rice-bites-50049293 (may not work)