Ham Croquettes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 scallions, white parts only, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cups milk
• 2 cups cooked ham, minced or chopped
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon beer mustard
•  salt to taste
• white pepper to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups fine dry bread crumbs
•  Peanut or canola oil for frying

Directions:

Melt butter in a saucepan over moderate heat.  Add the scallions, garlic, and flour, and whisk until soft and well blended, about 2 minutes. Add the milk and whisk rapidly until well blended. Add ham, stir well and remove from the heat. Add the egg yolks, and stir to combine well.  Return to the heat.  Add the mustard, sage, and salt and pepper, and whisk until well blended. Scrape the mixture into a dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

With your hands, divide the mixture into balls and roll lightly in the extra flour. Pat into smooth oval patties, dip briefly into the egg wash, dredge in the bread crumbs, and place on a plate till ready to fry.

In a large, heavy skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over moderately high heat for about 1 minute, fry the patties till golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side, and drain briefly on paper towels. Serve.