Appetizer "Raphaello" from crab sticks and cheese: a simple recipe
Ingredients (for 15-20 pieces):
- Crab sticks - 200 g;
- Hard cheese - 150 g;
- Mayonnaise - 2-3 tbsp. spoons;
- Garlic - 2 cloves;
- Eggs (boiled) - 2 pcs.;
- Almonds (optional, for filling) - 15-20 pcs.;
- Salt, pepper - to taste.
Preparation:
Grate the crab sticks on a fine grater. To make the appetizer look neat, it is better to divide them into two parts: use one for the filling, and set aside the second for rolling. This will create a “Raffaello” effect with an outer layer that imitates coconut flakes.
Grate hard cheese on a fine grater. For this dish, cheeses with a neutral taste and good texture, which melt easily, are suitable. Pour the grated cheese into a deep bowl where you will mix the ingredients.
Peel the garlic, grate it on a fine grater or pass it through a press. Add it to cheese to enhance the aroma and taste. If you do not like the bright taste of garlic, you can reduce its amount or eliminate it altogether.
Boil the eggs until they are "hard-boiled" (about 10 minutes from the moment of boiling), cool them under cold water, clean them and grate them on a fine grater. Eggs will give the filling a softer texture, and also make the taste of the snack richer.

In a bowl, mix the cheese, eggs, garlic and some of the chopped crab sticks. Season the filling with mayonnaise - it will bind all the ingredients, creating a homogeneous consistency. The filling should not be too wet, so add mayonnaise gradually until the mass begins to hold its shape. Taste, add salt and pepper if needed.
Lightly moisten your hands with water so that the mass does not stick, and form small balls from it. If you want to make the snack more interesting, place almonds inside each ball. This will add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that goes well with the crab filling.
Roll each ball in the remaining crab sticks to coat them evenly on all sides. Place the finished balls on a flat plate previously lined with paper or a serving napkin.
For the best taste and texture, put the snack in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will help the ingredients to combine, and the snack to become denser. You can serve on a serving plate or place each ball in a paper candy capsule, which will add presentation. Bon appetit!