Broccoli Cheese Bites

5 cups vegetable oil for frying
1 (16 ounce) package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3 1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Place broccoli in a medium saucepan with 1 cup boiling water. Return to a boil. Cook covered until firm but tender, about 5 minutes.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the Cheddar cheese. Mix in the broccoli. Allow the mixture to cool and thicken approximately 15 minutes.

In a medium bowl, mix the bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Spread the mixture onto a large piece of wax paper. Form the broccoli cheese mixture into balls and roll in the bread crumb mixture until thoroughly coated.

Deep fry the balls until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.