Golden Ham Croquettes

Name: Golden Ham Croquettes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon curry powder; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup whole milk; 2 to 3 teaspoons prepared mustard; 1 teaspoon grated onion; 2 cups coarsely ground fully cooked ham; 2/3 cup dry bread crumbs; 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten; 2 tablespoons water; Oil for deep-fat frying; CHEESE SAUCE (optional):; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Dash pepper; 1-1/4 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min. YIELD: 10 servings.

Neighbors happened to drop in the first time I made this recipe and they loved it. I often make the tasty favorite as a Sunday dinner for our family. —Peggy Anderjaska, Haigler, Nebraska

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole milk
2 to 3 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon grated onion
2 cups coarsely ground fully cooked ham
2/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
2 tablespoons water
Oil for deep-fat frying
CHEESE SAUCE (optional):
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
1-1/4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Directions

1. In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in curry powder and flour. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in mustard and onion; add ham and mix well. Cover and chill thoroughly.
2. With wet hands, shape mixture into 10 balls. Roll balls in bread crumbs; shape each into a cone. Whisk together egg and water. Dip cones into egg mixture; roll again in crumbs.
3. Heat oil in an electric skillet or a deep-fat fryer to 375°. Fry croquettes, a few at a time, until golden brown, 2 to 2-1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towels; keep warm.
4. If desired, make cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan; stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Reduce heat. Add cheeses; stir until melted.

Nutrition Facts

1 croquette: 218 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 466mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.