Plantation Ham Cakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups ground ham
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons anise seed
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

In a large bowl combine the ground ham, onion, broccoli and beaten eggs. Mix with hands for 1 full minute, or until eggs are evenly absorbed into meat.

Sprinkle anise seed, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, cornmeal and cheese over meat mixture and mix again with hands for 1 full minute, until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 3 ounces of ham mixture into hands and form patties about 1/2 inch thick. Lay patties in skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes each side, or until browned. Drain on paper towels. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used, then serve hot.