Mini Pumpkin Sage Balls with Balsamic Creme Fraiche

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 Cup finely diced onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
• 3/4 Cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 Cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 

• 2 Cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1 sprig fresh sage leaves
• sea salt

• 1/4 Cup sour cream
• 1/4 Cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar 

Preparation
 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a baking sheet.

2. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook 2 minutes until softened, then stir in the chopped sage, and cook 2 more minutes. Scrape into a large bowl, and stir in the pumpkin puree, bread crumbs, eggs, salt, and black pepper until combined. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place onto the greased baking sheet.

3. Bake in preheated oven until firm and hot, about 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, heat the frying oil to 350 degrees F, and add the sage leaves. Fry until the bubbles begin to subside and the leaves are crispy. Remove the leaves, and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Prepare the dipping sauce by stirring together the sour cream, whipping cream, sugar, and balsamic vinegar until smooth.

To serve, sprinkle the pumpkin balls with fried sage leaves, and sea salt. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side.