BROCCOLI FRITTERS

1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets

2 lightly beaten eggs
2 lightly beaten egg whites
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp canola oil
salsa for serving, optional
sour cream for serving, optional

Steam broccoli 3 to 4 minutes in a steamer basket until tender; coarsely chop and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, egg whites, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper.  Once combine, stir in the broccoli.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Drop the broccoli batter by 2 heaping tablespoonfuls into the hot oil and press to flatten.  Cook, in batches, for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until fritters are a golden brown; add remaining oil as needed.  Drain the fritters on paper towels.

Serve as a side dish with meats or serve as appetizer/snacks with salsa and/or sour cream.

Yield: 6 servings of 2 fritters
Per serving (without salsa or sour cream): 129 calories, 8 g (2 g sat) fat, 8 g carbs, 8 g protein making these diabetic-friendly, too.