KEY INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
- ●4 tablespoons butter or margarine
- ●1/2 small onion, chopped
- ●1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- ●2/3 cup (5 fluid-ounce can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
- ●12 ounces smoked or baked ham, ground (2 cups)
- ●1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- ●1 tablespoon dry sherry
- ●1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ●1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ●3 large eggs, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- ●1 1/2 cups fine plain bread crumbs
- ●3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ●Vegetable oil for deep frying
- ●1 fresh lime, cut into wedges
MAKE IT
Step 1
Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add onion; cook until soft. Add 1/4 cup flour and mix with wire whisk. Gradually add evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes just to a boil and is thick and creamy. Add ham, parsley, sherry, black pepper and nutmeg; mix well. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on low heat. Taste; season with additional salt if desired.
Step 2
Pour ham mixture into 8-inch-square baking pan. Cool in refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes so that it will be easy to handle.
Step 3
Beat eggs with water in a small mixing bowl until frothy. Combine bread crumbs and 3 tablespoons flour and place in a second bowl or plate. Scoop out a heaping teaspoon of ham mixture from chilled pan, or divide mixture in pan by cutting it into thirds crosswise and in eights lengthwise. Shape into logs 1 1/2 inches long and 3/4-inch wide. Dip croquettes into eggs and roll in crumb mixture until evenly coated. Place croquettes on large jelly roll pan or baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350° F. Fry croquettes for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Place on serving platter. Squeeze lime wedges over croquettes and serve with extra wedges. Serve hot.