Shrimp and Cheese Croquettes

4 tablespoons sweet butter

1 tablespoon salad oil

1 teaspoon minced shallots

6 tablespoons flour

3/4 cup milk

3 medium shrimp, shelled and finely chopped

5 tablespoons grated Manchego cheese (or similar such as Italian)

Salt

White pepper

A grating of nutmeg

1 egg yolk

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Oil for frying

Melt the butter and oil in a saucepan, then sauté the shallots for a minute or two. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for another minute or so. Pour in the milk gradually and stir constantly until the mixture is thickened and smooth and has reached the boiling point. Add the shrimp, cook for another minute, then remove from the heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cool and chill for several hours.

With floured hands, shape the dough into walnut-size balls. Cover with egg yolk, roll in the bread crumbs, which have been mixed with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese. Fry in hot oil at about 390° at least 1/2 inch deep until golden, turning once.