Prosciutto Goodness

Throughout my travels I've had the chance to sample many dishes from many different cultures. Today I'm going to share a few recipes from Italy, each utilizing the delectable prosciutto di Parma,  or Parma ham. Prosciutto is made from the hind leg of a pig or wild boar which has been cured for between 9 months and 2 years. This creates a wonderfully balanced cured meat which practically melts in your mouth. The first dish is wonderful as an appetizer or first course even.

Prosciutto Calzone with Sage Scented Tagliatelli

3/4 lb tagliatelli (substitute with any wide noodle pasta such as fettuccine)

12 slices Prosciutto

8 sage leaves

1 cup butter

1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano flakes (real parmesan cheese)

Preparation

1. Cook the pasta in salted water.
2. In another pan melt the butter with sage leaves, then add the pasta and toss for 2 minutes.
3. Lay the Prosciutto slices evenly on a serving dish so they are overlapping eachother.
4. Place the prepared pasta on the Proscuitto, top with flakes of Parmigiano Reggiano and wrap closed.
5. Slice into 4 and serve.

Next on the menu is a wonderful appetizer or finger food which is extremely easy to prepare, but tastes like it belongs in a 5 star restaurant.

Proscuitto Rolled with Taleggio Cheese

5 slices Proscuitto

1/2 cup dried figs

1/4 lb taleggio cheese (substitute with fontina, urgelia, or possibly limburger)

Preparation

1. Lay down a sheet of aluminum foil lightly coated with olive oil.
2. Arrange Proscuitto slices on the foil so they are overlapping.
3. In a blender blend the dry figs and Taleggio to form a firm creamy paste.
4. Spread the newly formed paste in the center of the Prosciutto.
5. Using the foil tightly roll the Proscuitto, then wrap in foil and seal each end.
6. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
7. Unwrap and slice into bite size pieces and serve.

I hope you enjoy this small taste of Italy with these quick and easy recipes. Next time I make these I'll try to throw up some pictures, unfortunately they usually disappear before I can find my camera.