HAM CROQUETTES (CROQUETAS DE PAPAS Y JAMON)

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucepan; add the onions and sauté on medium-low heat until translucent. Whisk in sherry and chives. Add ground ham. Let simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat, add mashed potatoes and blend completely. Taste and season with pepper and a little salt if necessary. The ham probably has enough salt already. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour.
• TIP: The mixture needs to be firm enough to form into rolls. If the mixture is too soft or sticky, mix in some bread crumbs.
• Beat the eggs with water in a mixing bowl until frothy. Combine the bread crumbs and flour in a second bowl with salt and pepper. Shape the ham/potato mixture into logs about 3/4 inch thick and 3 inches long. Dip the logs in the egg wash and roll them in the seasoned bread crumbs. Dip a second time and roll again in bread crumbs until they are completely covered.
• IMPORTANT: Place the logs in a lightly greased baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. (You may also freeze for later use, or use the freezer to quickly chill them.).
• In a large frying pan, add enough vegetable oil to cover half the croqueta at a time. Heat the oil to the frying stage -- about 360 to 375 degrees F. Sauté a few croquetas at a time in the hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.