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<!DOCTYPE recipeml PUBLIC "-//FormatData//DTD RecipeML 0.5//EN" "http://www.formatdata.com/recipeml/recipeml.dtd">
<recipeml version="0.5">
  <recipe>
    <head>
      <title>Stuffed Squash Blossoms with Basil</title>
    </head>
    <yield><qty>10</qty></yield>
    <ingredients>
<ing><amt><qty>0.5</qty><unit>c</unit></amt><item>fresh ricotta cheese</item></ing>
<ing><amt><qty>0</qty><unit></unit></amt><item>salt and pepper</item></ing>
<ing><amt><qty>20</qty><unit></unit></amt><item>large fresh basil leaves</item></ing>
<ing><amt><qty>10</qty><unit></unit></amt><item>1/2 cubes of mozzarella cheese</item></ing>
<ing><amt><qty>10</qty><unit></unit></amt><item>squash blossoms</item></ing>
<ing><amt><qty>0</qty><unit></unit></amt><item>canola oil, enough to fry at 3 inches deep</item></ing>
<ing><amt><qty>2</qty><unit></unit></amt><item>large eggs, lightly beaten</item></ing>
<ing><amt><qty>0.75</qty><unit></unit></amt><item>cornmeal, ground fine</item></ing>
    </ingredients>
    <directions>Put ricotta in a fine sieve set over a bowl. Let drain in refrigerator 3 hours or overnight. Discard liquid.

Transfer the ricotta to a small bowl and season it with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper; stir until smooth. 

Lay 1o basil leaves out on a work surface. Drop about1 tablespoon ricotta onto 1 basil leaf. Place a mozzarella dice on top of ricotta. Then top it with another basil leaf, sandwich-style. 

Carefully open 1 squash blossom removing the stamen if necessary.Place the stuffed basil leaf inside blossom. Press the blossom closed to seal. Repeat with remaining basil leaf stacks and squash blossoms.

Heat about 3 inches oil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until it registers 365 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Put eggs and cornmeal in separate small bowls. Dip 1 stuffed blossom into the eggs, then into the cornmeal to coat.

Fry in batches of 2 to 3 until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels using a slotted spoon; let drain. Season with sea salt. Serve immediately.
</directions>
  </recipe>
</recipeml>
