Fresh Figs With Smoked Cured Ham Recipes

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.

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.

CUBAN STYLE FRESH HAM

Steps:

• Mix together the juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and water. Put the ham into a large bowl or leak-proof plastic bag and pour over the marinade. Let soak in the refrigerator overnight. (Or let the marinade steep for 1 hour, strain it, and inject it directly into the ham using a marinade injector; wrap and refrigerate the ham overnight. Use any leftover marinade for basting.)
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Remove the ham from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and pat dry. Strain the marinade into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Put the ham fat side up into a roasting pan and cook it for about 25 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature registers 155 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Baste the ham with the marinade every 20 minutes or so. Remove the ham, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 15 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise to 160 degrees F. Slice and serve.