Recipe: Chicken & Ham Croquettes

Chicken & Ham Croquettes

Serves 6

3 T butter

1 T finely chopped shallot or onion

¼ C flour

½ t salt

¼ t paprika

1/8 t nutmeg

1 C chicken broth

3 egg yolks, lightly beaten

1 C finely diced cooked chicken

½ C finely diced cooked ham

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 C freshly made bread crumbs

Oil for frying

White Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the shallot or onion. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until soft. Stir in the flour, salt, paprika, and nutmeg, and cook 2-3 minutes more. Gradually add the chicken broth and bring to the boiling point. Stir ¼ cup of the sauce into the egg yolks, and then return the yolk-sauce mixture to the hot sauce. Add the chicken and ham, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes. Pour into a shallow bowl and refrigerate until chilled. Shape into small cones, 1-1/2 inches at the base and about 2 inches high. Dip into the beaten egg and roll gently in the bread crumbs. Set to dry on a rack or a piece of wax paper. Heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy pot, until medium hot---360°F. Add the croquettes, and let them brown, turning them, on all sides. Drain on paper towels and place on a warm platter and serve with the sauce.