Brie and Basil Croquettes

I love brie cheese (especially baby brie). This recipe is a lot of work and you'll need to allow time for overnight chilling and then an additional hour of chilling, but it's quite delicious and perfect for holiday company. Preparation time excludes chill time.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1  cup milk
• 9  ounces  chilled  brie cheese (rind removed, cut into 1-inch chunks) or 9  ounces camembert cheese (rind removed, cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped fresh basil
• 2  large eggs
•  all-purpose flour, for coating
• 2  cups  dry breadcrumbs
• 2  tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Melt butter in heavy saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add 1/4 cup flour and stir until light golden, about 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Gradually whisk in milk.
5. Return pan to heat.
6. Simmer gently until very thick but still pourable, about 4 minutes.
7. Add cheese and basil and stir until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Stir in 1 egg.
11. Pour into 10" diameter pie plate.
12. Press plastic wrap onto surface of cheese mixture to prevent skin from forming.
13. Chill overnight.
14. With floured hands, form cheese mixture into walnut-size balls.
15. Dust cheese balls with flour.
16. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.
17. Press each cheese ball into 3/4" thick round.
18. Place remaining egg in small bowl and beat to blend.
19. Place crumbs in medium bowl.
20. Dip cheese rounds into egg, then into crumbs, coating thoroughly.
21. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
22. Working in batches, fry cheese rounds just until brown, about 1 minute per side.
23. Do not overcook.
24. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.