Crabmeat Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh backfin crabmeat, drained and flaked
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup fine, dry breadcrumbs
• 2/3 cup commercial cracker meal
• vegetable oil

Instructions:

Combine the crabmeat and the next 10 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well. Stir in the dry breadcrumbs until the crabmeat mixture holds shape when formed into a ball. Shape crabmeat mixture into balls using about 1 tablespoon of mixture per ball, and coat each ball evenly with cracker meal. Pour 3 inches of oil into a dutch oven and heat to 375°. Fry the crabmeat balls, a few at a time for 2 minutes or until golden. Drain on paper towels.