Croquetas De Jamón

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1. 1Step 1: Dice the ham into small pieces (the smaller, the better). Set aside.
2. 2Step 2: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
3. 3Step 3: Add the flour to the butter a little bit at a time. Mix with a spoon.
4. 4Step 4: When the butter and flour are totally combined and the mixture has turned golden, add the milk and the stock. Stir for 2 minutes and remove from the heat.
5. 5Step 5: Blend the bechamel mixture with an immersion blender until there are no lumps. Fold in the ham, then stir in a pinch of nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6Step 6: Put the bechamel mixture into a bowl, let it cool, and let chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight. This step is important as it ensures the croquetas will hold their shape.
7. 7Step 7: When you're ready to fry the croquettes, take the bechamel out of the fridge. Shape it into small balls with your hands or with two spoons.
8. 8Step 8: Sprinkle some of the excess flour onto a plate and roll the balls in it.
9. 9Step 9: In another bowl, whisk two eggs together. Dip the flour-covered bechamel balls in one at a time and coat with egg. Add more egg as needed if you start to run out.
10. 10Step 10: Pour the bread crumbs into a third bowl. Roll each ball in the crumbs until fully coated. Now they're ready to fry!
11. 11Step 11: Deep fry the croquettes in hot olive oil until crispy and golden brown. Be sure not to crowd the fryer.
12. 12Step 12: Remove the croquettes from the fryer and place on paper towels to drain the excess oil. Let cool just a bit (they will be extremely hot fresh out of the fryer) and enjoy!