How To Cook: |
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1. In a heavy 3- to 4-quart saucepan, melt the butter over moderate heat. When the foam begins to subside. stir in ¾ cup of the flour and mix together thoroughly.
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2. Pour in the milk and, stirring constantly with a whisk, cook over high heat until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens heavily. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, whisking frequently.
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3. Remove the pan from the heat and, with a wooden spoon, vigorously beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Add the salt and pepper and stir in the grated cheese.
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4. When thoroughly combined, pour the mixture into a lightly buttered 8-by-6-inch baking dish, spreading it out to a ½-inch thickness and smoothing the top with a spatula.
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5. Cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours, until firm.
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6. With a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut the cheese mixture into 2-inch squares, lifting them out of the dish with a small metal spatula and arranging them side by side on a strip of wax paper.
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7. One at a time, dip them into the remaining flour, and, when they are completely coated on all sides, shake them free of any excess flour and dip them into the egg-and- milk mixture.
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8. Now coat them on all sides with the bread crumbs, patting them gently with the spatula to make them adhere. Arrange the squares on a large baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until the coating is firm.
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9. Pour enough oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy saucepan to come 2 to 3 inches up the sides of the pan and heat the oil until it registers 375on a deep-frying thermometer.
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10. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting. Line a large baking dish with a double thickness of paper towels and place it in the middle of the oven.
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11. Deep-fry the delices3 or 4 at a time, turning them with a slotted spoon for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown on both sides.
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12. As they brown, transfer them to the baking dish in the oven to keep them warm while you deep-fry the rest. Serve at once, as a first course or an accompaniment to drinks.
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