POTATO CROQUETTES (LIDIA BASTIANICH)

Steps:

• Scrub the potatoes well; do not peel them.
• Add enough cold water over the potatoes in a medium saucepan to cover them by 3 fingers.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat slightly to a gentle boil.
• Cook until tender when poked with a wooden skewer or the tip of a paring knife, 20-35 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
• Drain the potatoes and let them stand until cool enough to handle.
• Scrape off the skins with a knife and pass the potatoes through a ricer or force them through a coarse sieve back into an empty pot.
• Stir in the butter; et the pot over medium heat, and stir until the puree is smooth.
• Remove from heat and season with salt, white pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.
• Beat one of the eggs and stir it, along with the prosciutto and parsley, into the potato mixture until all the ingredients are evenly distributed; cool to room temperature.
• Using about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture for each, form cylindrical croquettes about 2 inches long.
• Refrigerate the croquettes, uncovered, until firm, about 20 minutes.
• They can also be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day before continuing.
• Whisk the remaining two eggs well in a wide bowl.
• Spread the breadcrumbs and flour out on separate plates or sheets of waxed paper.
• Working with a few at a time, dredge the croquettes in flour to coat them lightly and tap off the excess.
• Dip the floured croquette into the egg, turning well to coat all sides evenly.
• Let the excess egg drip back into the bowl, then lay the croquettes in the bread crumbs; turn to coat all sides and ends well with the bread crumbs, pressing very gently with your hands until the crumbs adhere well to the croquettes.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy, medium skillet over medium heat to 350°.
• When the oil reaches temperature, slip half the croquettes into the oil.
• Fry carefully, turning them as necessary, until golden on all sides, about 4 minutes.
• Adjust heat under the pan as the croquettes cook so they cook evenly.
• Remove the croquettes with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper-towel lined baking sheet.
• Repeat with the remaining croquettes.
• Fried croquettes can be kept warm on a baking sheet in a 200° oven for up to 20-30 minutes.