Croquettes
Sometimes I just have to make 3 variations of something 🤣
In this case there's a regular chicken one, a meatless broccoli & cheddar, and of course a dog friendly version 😅
A little time consuming but croquettes are pretty easy to make. Get some potatoes started for mashing and chicken going for shredding. Human chicken was SPPOG seasoned, dog chicken was left plain, simmer in broth until it pulls apart. The potatoes I usually run through a sieve or a ricer but since I had to shred some cheese for this anyway, I ran the potatoes through that instead and it worked great.
Season the potatoes (except the dog ones) w/ salt, pepper, and garlic. Once they cool start making some balls. Chicken & cheddar, broccoli & cheddar, and chicken/carrot/celery for the dogs. Toss in flour then chill in the freezer so they set.
While they chill, make some gravy. I'll skip the regular chicken gravy since it's pretty basic. For the other gravy, warm up some truffle oil and cook down some mushrooms then mix in flour to absorb all the oil. Add cream and thin as needed with vegetable broth, s&p to taste.
After the balls set, flour again if needed, dip in egg, panko, then fry until crispy. Skip the fry on the dog treats 😅 toss them in the oven at 400° to finish warming through, then enjoy with gravy! The dogs got a scoop of pumpkin puree instead 😆
Croquettes are a versatile comfort food that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and even your pets! When making croquettes, the key to getting a crispy exterior and creamy interior lies in the preparation and chilling process. Using mashed potatoes as a base provides a smooth texture, and running them through a sieve or ricer ensures there are no lumps, creating the perfect binder for your fillings. For the chicken croquettes, seasoning the meat well enhances flavor—try adding herbs like thyme or paprika along with the SPPOG seasoning mentioned. For the meatless broccoli & cheddar croquettes, lightly steaming the broccoli before mixing it with shredded cheese helps maintain a tender bite while intensifying the flavor. When forming the croquettes, chilling them in the freezer allows them to set firmly, which helps prevent them from falling apart during frying. Coating them first in flour, then an egg wash, and finally panko breadcrumbs yields the iconic crunchy crust that complements the soft inside. If you're making dog-friendly croquettes, keeping the ingredients plain and skipping frying is safer and healthier for pets. Baking at a high temperature until warmed through retains moisture without added oils or salts. Complementing these treats with a scoop of pumpkin puree provides fiber and nutrients that support canine digestion. Making gravy to accompany croquettes adds another layer of indulgence. For a mushroom truffle gravy, gently cooking mushrooms in truffle oil extracts deep earthiness, and incorporating cream and vegetable broth creates a rich, silky sauce. Adjust thickness with flour or broth to suit your taste. Experimenting with croquette fillings and seasonings can lead to endless variations, making this dish a favorite for any occasion. Whether you're crafting elegant appetizers or family-friendly dinners, croquettes are a crowd-pleaser that combines texture, flavor, and comfort in every bite.