Zucchini Patties

These patties make a very good appetizer. If you have friends or family coming over for dinner and you aren’t afraid to cook at the last minute, this is the right appetizer to make.  My neighbour knocked at the door once just as I was making some. I remember her face when I opened the door. "What are you making?" she asked, "it smells sooo good!". Start frying the patties just before your guests arrive, the delightfull aroma will welcome them. They will be eager to try them, and trust me they won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients
6 medium zucchinis (or 8 small)
4 eggs
2 cups shredded cheese (emmenthal, gruyere or jarlsberg)
Salt, pepper
1 cup all purpose flour
Oil for frying

Directions

1. Coarsely grate the zucchinis, add salt and toss in a big bowl.
2. Let them render all the water for a couple of hours if possible, then transfer to a colander sitting on a big bowl. If you are in a hurry skip this to step. You will have more sqeezing to do.
3. Drain as much as you can. Take small quantities of zucchinis between your hands and squeeze to release the excess liquid. You can also squeeze the zucchinis using a cheese cloth small quantities at a time. Transfer to a dry bowl.
4. Add the eggs, cheese and pepper and salt if needed. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Heat the 6 tablespoons corn oil over medium heat (sometimes I use an electrical fryer, it works very well).
6. Put the flour in a plate. Take a tablespoon of the zucchini mixture and form a ball using a second spoon. Roll rapidly in the flour, pating it to make a flat and round patty and to eliminate the excess of flour.
7. Carefully drop the patty into the frying pan. Cook 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.

Drain on paper towel. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side.