Leek Latkes

Directions

1. 1
   Cut leeks lengthwise, and wash them well to remove any grit.
2. 2
   Dice the leeks, and either steam them or place them in boiling salted water for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are tender.
3. 3
   Drain leeks well, pressing them in a dish towel to remove any excess water.
4. 4
   Heat oil in nonstick frying pan, and add onion, garlic and shallots.
5. 5
   Saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Heat oven to 350 degrees.
7. 7
   Place pine nuts on a baking pan, and toast for a few minutes until evenly browned.
8. 8
   Place leeks, onion, garlic, shallots, pine nuts, cilantro, eggs and cheese in a mixing bowl, and blend well, adding salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9
   Add about 1/2 cup bread crumbs, or enough to bind.
10. 10
    Take about 1/4 cup of the leek mixture, and make a patty 2 inches in diameter.
11. 11
    Coat patty with bread crumbs, and repeat with remaining mixture.
12. 12
    Coat a nonstick frying pan thinly with remaining olive oil, and fry the patties for a few minutes on each side.
13. 13
    (For cocktail-size patties, use 1 teaspoon of mixture.)
14. 14
    Drain on paper towels.