Southern Ham Corn Cakes

2 cups ground ham

1 (10 ounce) package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and drained

1 onion, finely chopped

3 large eggs, beaten

¾ cup cornmeal

½ cup grated Asiago cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons anise seed

2 teaspoons dried basil

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine ground ham, broccoli, onion, and beaten eggs in a large bowl. Mix with your hands for 1 full minute, or until eggs are evenly absorbed into meat.

Sprinkle cornmeal, Asiago cheese, garlic, anise seed, basil, pepper, and salt over meat mixture and mix again with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed for 1 full minute.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 3 ounces of ham mixture into your hands and form patties about 1/2-inch thick. Lay patties in the skillet and cook until browned, 3 to 5 minutes each side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used, then serve hot.