Croquetas de Jamon

==Description==
Ham croquettes
* Makes 45 to 50 croquettes
==Ingredients==
* ¼ lb (1 stick) salted butter
* 7 tsp all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk, scalded
* 2 cups finely chopped cooked ham
* 1 tsp salt
* ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
* ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
* 3 tsp fresh lime juice, plus extra for sprinkling
* 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
* 2 cups very fine bread crumbs
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* peanut or vegetable oil for frying
==Directions==
# In a saucepan, heat the butter until it foams, blend in the flour, then gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste taking care not to overcook the mixture and cause lumps to form.
# Add the ham, salt, pepper, nutmeg, lime juice, and parsley, and continue cooking over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
# Remove from the heat.
# Spoon the mixture into a pan or platter and let it cool thoroughly (once cool, it can be refrigerated).
# Sprinkle a light layer of bread crumbs on a work surface.
# Scoop up 1 tablespoon of the cooled ham mixture and shape it into a cylinder about 1½ inches long and ¾ inch in diameter.
# Dip the cylinder in the beaten egg and then in the crumbs, and repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more crumbs as necessary.
# (up to this point, the recipe can be prepared one day in advance and refrigerated overnight).
# Preheat the oven to 250°F.
# In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat, heat 2 to 5 inches of oil to 375°F, or until a drop of the mixture sizzles when it touches the oil.
# Fry 5 to 6 croquettes at a time until golden on all sides, turning with a slotted spoon.
# Be careful not to fry too many at once or the oil temperature will fall and they will be more soggy than crisp.
# Once cooked, drain on a paper-towel-lined platter.
# Keep warm in the oven until you have finished frying the rest, and serve sprinkled with fresh lime juice.
Category:Cuban Appetizers
Category:Ham Recipes
Category:Lime juice Recipes
Category:Peanut Recipes
Category:Egg Recipes