Figswrappedincountryham Recipes

FIGS WRAPPED IN SMOKED CURED HAM

Steps:

• Carefully cut each fig almost in half lengthwise, cutting down to but not through the skin. Rotate 90 degrees and repeat to divide the fig into 4 sections attached at the base. Squeeze together at the base as you would a baked potato. Place one slice of Presunto on the counter in front of you. Place one fig in the center, and draw up edges of ham, fluting all around into fold. Press well to hold. Repeat with remaining figs and ham. Serve 2 wrapped figs per person.

FRESH FIGS WITH SMOKED CURED HAM

Steps:

• Wash the figs well, then divide into eighths, cutting from the stem to within about 3/8-inch of the bottom, so that you can spread the wedges out like petals. On each of 4 salad plates, arrange 5 to 6 slices of prosciutto spoke-fashion to resemble flower petals. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper. Place a fig in the center of each; then spread the wedges out like opening flowers. Let stand at room temperature 1 to 2 hours; then serve at the start of an elegant meal.

SERRANO HAM-WRAPPED FIGS

Steps:

• Prepare the figs: Combine the wine, 1 cup water, the cloves, allspice and peppercorns in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour over the figs in a large bowl and let soak at room temperature, 1 hour. (The figs can be prepared up to 1 week ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container.)
• Meanwhile, make the crema: Combine the blue cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk and roasted garlic in a blender; puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. (The crema can be made up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container.)
• Drain the figs and remove the stems. Carefully wrap each fig with a piece of ham, trimming as necessary. Place small dollops of the crema on a serving platter. Arrange the wrapped figs on the crema and drizzle with the vinegar.

FIG GLAZED HAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Trim the ham by removing the outer skin/rind, leaving a 1/4-inch of fat. Score the fat layer with a paring knife in a diamond pattern.
• Put the ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan or large baking dish. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Meanwhile make the glaze by whisking all of the remaining ingredients together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer, stirring often, to infuse flavors and to thin the preserves, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside 1/4 cup of the glaze.
• Remove the foil after the ham has cooked for 1 hour and brush it with the glaze, working it into the scores. Bake the ham, uncovered, another 40 minutes, basting again after 10 minutes. Remove the ham from the oven when an internal temperature of 140 degrees F is reached on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the ham to carving board and it let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Skim off as much of the fat as possible and then whisk in the reserved 1/4 cup of glaze. Bring the pan to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the desired consistency is reached. Strain into a warmed gravy dish for a smooth sauce, if desired. Thinly slice the ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve with the gravy on the side.