Mashed Potato Cakes

Ingredients: 2 cups cold mashed potatoes 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup flour 6 strips bacon 1 medium onion, chopped 2 eggs 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 4 Tbsp butter or margarine

Instructions: Fry the bacon until crispy and drain on a paper towel until cool. Crumble into small bits. Place the bacon bits into a large bowl. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp bacon grease from the frying pan and over medium heat cook the garlic and onion until translucent. Add the bacon bits along with

remaining ingredients (except butter/margarine) and blend well. Wash and dry frying pan, then melt 1 Tbsp of butter or margarine in it over medium heat. Scoop up about 1/4 cup of potato mixture and firm it into a ball. Place it in the hot pan, flattening it out until it's about 1/2-3/4" thick.

Fry for about 3 minutes on each side, until they are lightly golden brown. For best results, serve immediately, while hot and crispy. Top with green onions, sour cream or ketchup.