1/4 cup butter
6 tablespoons corn, semolina or all purpose flour
1 tbsp. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 cups milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup boiled rice
1 cupful cooked ham, chopped

To make the white sauce, melt the butter, add the flour and seasoning, and cook over medium low heat until bubbling; add the milk gradually, stirring constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens. Whisk in the beaten egg.

Add the rice and ham. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat - allow to cool.

Form into balls or cylinder shapes. Roll in dry, sifted bread, panko or cracker crumbs. Fry in deep hot (350°F) oil until golden and cooked through, turning once to brown both sides (about 2-4 minutes total, depending upon size).

Variation: Turkey, Chicken, or Chopped Clams may be substituted for the ham.

Makes 12 small croquettes or 6 larger ones.