It’s my birthday on New Years Day. Â It’s not such a fun day to have a birthday. For a start, a lot of people feel unwell on my birthday, other people are just tired…….
This is the sort of birthday people say “Happy Birthday” Â at 12 o’clock on the night before, just after New Year, you know, while they are still awake and feeling well… and then that’s all the birthday you get for the next year.
Never mind.
To be honest, I have had far too many birthdays to really care anymore. We have agreed New Years Day is a right off … the only thing left to do is enjoy New Years Eve. I still get a thrill from New Year, even though it can sometimes be a massive disappointment. It is nice when people are enthusiastic about celebrating another year of being alive. Drinking is not such a drawcard but food, as usual is. Whether you see the brand New Year  in in great party style, have dinner with friends or spend it with family, it’s the right time to eat delightful bites of  small things that last well into the wee hours. I love making little bites and snack things because they are a great way to share in a casual relaxed setting. It is also often the only way I can get my food phobic son to try things..(on any day of the year). Here’s a cheesy satisfying Goat Cheese and Potato Croquette recipe and a collection of other  small bites from the blog archives. Meantime…..
To all of you that come here, thank you.
I am looking forward to sharing lots more recipes with you in 2015.
Thank you if you comment.
I love hearing from you.
To all of you that visit for inspiration and ideas and to those that try the recipes , thank you.
I love being able to share with you and I love that you drop by and visit.
Thank you, good bye 2014…. and Happy New year!
Lamb and Sweet Potato Hummus Tarts
Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
Home made Goat cheese with roast tomatoes and pinenuts
Baby Risotto balls with tonnato sauce
Tomato Tart Tartins with goat curd and basil
Smoked Chickpeas with babaganoosh and coriander
Goat Cheese and Potato Croquettes
Ingredients
- 1 kg potato steamed / cooked mashed potato cooled
- 300 gm Goat cheese fresh
- 1/2 cup herbs chopped mixed soft (parsley, chives, basil, chervil, dill or even some mint)
- 20 ml cream (1 tablespoon)
- 1 whole Egg Yolk yolk ONLY
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups Panko crumbs or other breadcrumbs
- 1 whole Egg
- 125 ml milk
- 150 gm flour
- 1 tablespoon flour extra
- salt and pepper to taste
Pickled Beetroot
- 1 whole beetroot grated
- 100 gm sugar
- 60 ml vinegar (balsamic or mild wine vinegar)
- 20 ml pomegranate syrup (opt 1 tablespoon)
- 1 sprig rosemary
a non stick fry pan or skillet
- 250 ml vegetable or olive oil if you prefer
Instructions
- Mix the goat cheese, potato, cream, herbs, yolk, paprika and a grind of pepper in a bowl. Mix well till incorporated.
- Prepare a tray with baking paper ready to lay the goat croquettes on once rolled. Take a scoop of the potato mixture, approximately the size of a golf ball from the bowl and roll firmly with your hands. (I made a longish almost flat shape so the croquettes cook in a small amount of oil and turn easily.) The mixture should not be wet, it will stick together easily. If you find that your mixture is wet due to the potatoes holding water you may need to add the 1 Tablespoon extra flour.
- Keep rolling the mixture till you have evenly sized ovals on the tray. Check to make sure they are all the same size by pinching off a bit here and there to even them out, reshaping as you go.
- Refrigerate till firm and well chilled ( 1 hour or more).
- Whisk the egg with the milk . Put the flour onto a flat plate and season with a little salt. Put the crumbs onto a flat plate and prepare to crumb the croquettes. Arrange the croquettes first followed by the flour, egg wash and crumbs and position another tray at the other end. Crumb the oval croquettes and then chill again until needed. ( Up to 4 days ahead)
- Heat a skillet or fry pan then add half the oil. Shallow fry in batches turning once golden on each side . Drain on paper towel and serve immediately.
To make a fresh beetroot relish
- Combine the vinegar, sugar, pomegranate and mix well. Have a taste. It may need more sugar and a sprinkling of salt. Drop the rosemary sprig into this marinate, then mix in the grated beetroot. Leave to marinade for an hour or up to a day ahead.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS XOXO
Happy New Year and Happy Birthday, Tania. I agree – your birthday certainly falls on a very challenging day. I always feel sorry for anyone who has a birthday close to Christmas or New Year as you could feel a little overlooked. Your croquettes look fabulous and I love the addition of goat’s cheese. These are a terrific appetiser and great party fare xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted..Sour-Cherry and Roasted-Almond White Christmas
What a lovely post, Tania. My vegetarian guys would love these croquettes. And best wishes for your birthday and 2015.
Victoria of Flavors of the Sun recently posted..Food Truck Weekend
Awww but think of all the fireworks you get at the exact moment your birthday comes around 🙂 Happy New Year Tania and HAPPY BIRTHDAY 😀
Helen | Grab Your Fork recently posted..2014: The Year I Ate Everything
Happy Birthday Tania. It’s Rob’s birthday on the 1st as well. 1-1-21 Yes, he’ll be 94 on Thursday. Just think what you have to look forward to. 🙂
I LOVE croquettes of any sort. Just fry up something and call it a croquette and I’m a happy camper but especially so with that beetroot. Yum for sure.
Happy New Year too!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted..Spinach Salad with Butternut Pumpkin and Feta Cheese
Oh I had no idea that it was your birthday on January 1st. My dad shares the same day and it’s a challenge finding somewhere open. A very Happy Birthday to you T!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..New Year’s Champagne Bubbles Cupcakes
I can’t imagine what it would feel like to turn the computer on and not see your next post waiting there for me…..there’s something very comforting about that – I know it takes work on your part (that I know you love) but on my part it’s something I always look forward to. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that 2015 is good to you, you truly deserve all the wonderful things in life to come your way in abundance.
Those croquettes are a “must make”.
Happy Birthday for the 1st. and all the best for 2015.
My birthday is the 30th June so a good balance between birthday and Christmas.
My niece is on Christmas Day so another one to miss out on 2 occasions.
I don’t really celebrate either as just me and me so no big deal.
Love your blog and drool a bit at the recipes (or is that just old age?) LOL
Ha you are a card. Drooling is perfectly acceptable these days old or not. Thank you so very much for your comment and for reading x
Happy Birthday to you Tania – better it be January 1st than April 1st! These croquettes are gorgeous finger food to have any time of the year – love the pickled beetroot with them.
Nancy | Plus Ate Six recently posted..Chocolate & five spice shortbreads {gluten free}
Very Yummy Tania. Thanks for all the links too. Party food here we come.
Tania, Happy Birthday to you!! Your croquettes sound and look very delicious.
Angie
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Cherry Pistachio Spelt Bundt Cake