Crispy Fried Feta Balls w/ Mint-Infused Blood Orange Coulis

Crispy Fried Feta Balls

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped mint
• 2-3 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• oil for frying

Mint-Infused Blood Orange Coulis

• zest of 1 blood orange
• 1/2 cup blood orange juice (6-8 oranges)
• zest & juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon agave
• 1 tablespoon bourbon or tequila
• 2 tablespoons chopped mint + more for garnish

1. Beat cream cheese and feta until smooth. Add spices and mint. Stir in flour 1 Tbsp at a time until cheese mixture is firm enough to roll.
2. Form cheese mixture into bite-sized balls, then roll in bread crumbs to coat.
3. Heat oil in deep sided pan or deep fryer. Fry cheese balls until browned and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
4. Combine coulis ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower heat until just bubbling, and cook until liquid reduced by half, 8-10 minutes (sauce should coat the back of a spoon). Remove from heat and strain through a fine sieve.
5. Drizzle coulis over cheese balls, garnish with chopped fresh mint and serve.