Snacks and Super Bowl parties (or, ANY sporting event, for that matter) are a natural combination. Pizza, chips, and impossibly long sandwiches – all laid out for mass consumption in front of energized viewers.

To add to this year’s feast, I decided to make use of leftover mashed potatoes (you know how I hate waste) by making Potato Balls. Rather than dropping them in a vat of hot oil, I encased them in a crust of seasoned panko and baked them. Might as well save calories when I can. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside.

You don’t even need leftover mashed potatoes. Just boil some fresh russets and skip the butter and milk. The Potato Balls are still yummy and have a few less calories since butter and milk haven’t been added.

NOTE: You can use bread crumbs instead of panko, but they won’t be as crunchy.

POTATO BALLS – makes about 28 balls

• 1½ cups mashed russet potatoes (about 1 lb)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 T dried minced onions
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup panko crumbs
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 3/4 tsp oregano
• 3/4 tsp garlic salt

Peel, chop, and boil the potatoes (unless you’re using leftover mashed potatoes). When they’re easily pierced with a fork, drain and mash.

Beat egg in a medium sized bowl. Mix in potatoes, flour, sour cream, dried onions, and salt.

In a wide mouthed bowl (such as a cereal bowl), mix together the panko, paprika, oregano, and garlic salt. (You need a wide mouthed bowl to allow room for both your hands.)

Using a spoon, drop about 1½ T of the dough into the panko mix.

Using your fingers, toss crumbs all over dough, patting them in. Carefully lift covered dough and roll it between your palms. Cover with crumbs again and roll. DON’T try to roll dough before covering with crumbs – it’s much too sticky.

Place on a greased or nonstick cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 400° F oven for 20-25 minutes, until browned.

Serve hot. They’re delicious plain, but also go well with Ranch dressing or ketchup.