The Business Of Fine Dining!
We all eat – and for many of us, exploring new cuisines is part of what makes eating so much fun!
Chef Jose Andres is one of the world’s greatest Chefs…his culinary vision is hugely successful and his philosophy on food is simple:
| “FOOD IS HOPE, FOOD IS DIGNITY, FOOD IS COMMUNITY, FOOD IS FAMILY, FOOD IS CARING. FOOD IS NOURISHMENT AND FOOD IS RESILIENCE. FOOD IS BUILDING LONGER TABLES. FOOD IS PEACE”. CHEF JOSE ANDRES |
Chef Andres shows his passion in everything he makes – so here is one of his favorite recipes that you can make at home!
Chicken Croquetas
October, 2021
Makes about 36 croquetas
- ¼ pound unsalted butter
- ½ Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- Salt
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 10 ounces chicken, boiled and shredded (leftover chicken from a stock is ideal)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cups Spanish extra-virgin olive oil
Melt the butter in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Slowly stir in 1½ cups of the flour and continue stirring vigorously until well combined. Cook for about 3 minutes until mixture becomes frothy and golden in color. Pour the milk into the mixture, stirring continuously, and continue to cook for about 2 minutes, until you have a thick béchamel sauce. Season to taste with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and nutmeg.
Add the chicken and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Cook for another 2 minutes until you have a thick mixture that you can mold in your hands. Carefully pick up a bit of the mixture and try to ball it with your hands. It shouldn’t be too sticky. If it does stick to your hands, allow the mixture to cook a little longer. Spread the mixture on a cookie sheet to allow to cool.
Once cool enough to handle, take a spoonful of the mixture and roll in your hands to make a small cylinder, about the size of a wine cork. Roll the cylinder in the remaining 1 cup flour, then in the eggs, and then in the breadcrumbs and set aside on another cookie sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have about 36 croquetas.
In a small deep frying pan, heat the olive oil to 375 degrees on candy thermometer. Working in batches, add the croquetas, making sure they are covered completely in oil. Fry until golden, about 1 minute, then transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to let drain. Be sure to allow the oil to return to 375 degrees on the candy thermometer between batches. Season with salt and serve hot.
I love this recipe! Chef Andres’ is a visionary Chef, and his passion for food is unrivaled!
But how can you have a business model that ensures success in the food industry? Simple: just have a brilliant Business mind working alongside you:
Sam Bakshandehpour – shown on the left speaking with Chef Andres – is the Global CEO of the Jose Andres Group, which operates more than 40 restaurants worldwide. As Chef Andres says:
“Sam understands the power of restaurants to transport us, for food to be the language of connection, and how we can be a part of communities in a meaningful way, all over the world.”
On the latest episode of my new show “Dollar Bill With Bill Rancic”, Bill talks to this successful CEO about the business of food – and it’s fascinating!
Sam is a brilliant Businessman with a terrific story to tell – with lots of great takeaway for your everyday approach to finances and success as well!
Click here to see the episode now:
I love Spanish food – which is as visually appealing as it is delicious!
These hanging hams in Barcelona are just one example…click here to see more of the city’s incredible food:
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Bravo Chef Andres, and if you enjoy these recipes, please share on social media!
Categories: Alcohol And Bars, Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Chef memoirs, Cookbooks, Eat This!, Food, Food Travel, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
Hi John, these certainly look good
Chef Andres is a beautiful human being. Beautiful croquetas as well!
Yes, he showcases the best of what a single person can do to make positive change in the world! Thanks for commenting!
those croquettes look delicate and delicious and he is a powerful force for love and helping others
I love chicken croquettes, and they are never better than in a Spanish Tapas Bar!
Best wishes, Pete.