I am calling these 'Connecticut Croquettes' because that is where my Mother was born and raised, and this recipe came from her family, and besides it just sounds nice together.
These breaded minced turkey patties have long been one of my favorites meals, and since introducing them to my husband, they are now one of his favorites too. Indeed, he never used to like turkey, but he loves these!
For many years I hesitated making them because they were somewhat of a pain, but I have tweaked, simplified, and improved (I think) the old family standard and it now makes an appearance pretty regularly throughout the year. The secret really is in letting the mixture chill thoroughly between steps, so be sure to start this early in the day or even the day before you want to eat them.
The hardest part is getting every last scrap of good turkey off of those bones after roasting. I don't really mind doing that though, since I can nibble and sample as I work.
INGREDIENTS
1/8 cup melted butter
1 cup light cream
1/8 cup cornstarch
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Mrs. Dash lemon pepper seasoning
2 cups finely chopped turkey
2 cups mix of dry bread crumbs, cracker crumbs, corn flake crumbs, etc.
2 eggs beaten with 2 Tblsp water
3 Tblsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine butter, cream, cornstarch, onion powder, and Mrs. Dash in a large 4 cup microwavable bowl or measuring cup.
2. Cook in microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each one, until sauce is thick.
3. Stir in chopped turkey and mix thoroughly. Allow to chill uncovered in refrigerator until firm.
4. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions (a generous ½ cup), roll each in the coating mixture of your choice, shaping into a patty, set on a waxpaper covered flat dish and chill again.
5. Dip each patty into the beaten egg and water, allow to drip a couple seconds, and roll back in the bread crumbs. Chill again briefly, allowing the crumbs to absorb the egg.
6. Repeat step #6 twice more to produce a wonderfully thick coating.
7. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in heavy frying pan on medium high heat. Cook until first side is dark brown, flip and cook other side.