Crab Risotto Balls

These were also in Paula's freeze ahead appetizers section. I looved these, even more than the buffalo blasts. The risotto inside is so good. This recipe is time consuming, but I think its worth it. This says it makes about 8 dozen, but it didn't make that many for us. But still made probably 50.

What you need:
2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, minced
1.5 cups Arborio rice
1 (64 oz) box low sodium chicken broth, warmed (we did not use this much)
1 (8 oz) container lump crabmeat, picked free of shell
1 (5 oz) package shredded parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

What you need to do:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shallot, and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes or until just tender. Add rice, and cook stirring constantly for 3 - 4 minutes or until rice begins to brown. Add warm chicken broth, 3/4 cup at a time, allowing liquid to be absorbed after each addition, stirring constantly. This process takes a long time, and we did not use all 64 ounces of chicken broth, it just didn't seem like it could take all that. We probably threw out 16 oz of the chicken broth bc we didn't think it needed more. After rice looks ready, remove from heat, stir in crabmeat, cheese, lemon zest, and pepper. Spread mixture to about 1.5 inch thickness on a rimmed baking sheet, cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days. Looks like rice krispy treats. :)

Form mixture into 1 inch balls. Roll in bread crumbs to coat. In a large dutch oven, pour oil in a depth of 3 inches. heat oil over medium heat to 350. Fry risotto balls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

To freeze ahead, place fried risotto balls on a rimmed baking sheet, cover and freeze for up to 1 month. Remove from freezer, preheat oven to 350. Bake risotto balls for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. serve hot or at room temperature. Garnish with grated Parmesan, if desired.