Bitter Greens With Poached Egg And Prosciutto Bits Food

SHAVED SALAD WITH PROSCIUTTO BITS

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and salt. The salt crystals should dissolve. Whisk in the mustard, oregano, and black pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to form a smooth emulsion. Crumble in the blue cheese, if using. Pour the vinaigrette into a serving bowl to be passed at the table with a spoon. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• For the salad: Set out 8 salad bowls, preferably clear glass so the guests can see the layers of vegetables. For each bowl, put down a layer of arugula and then a layer of fennel. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon Parmesan and 1 tablespoon Prosciutto Bits over the fennel. Next, put down a layer of zucchini and a layer of red cabbage. Once again, season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with Parmesan and Prosciutto Bits. Put down a layer of carrots over the top and finish with a small sprinkling of Parmesan and Prosciutto Bits.
• Serve the salads at room temperature. Pass the vinaigrette at the table. Allow guests to dress their own salads and mix up the layers.

BITTER GREEN AND EGG SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the greens and green onions and toss to coat well. Top with eggs and capers.
• *For perfectly hard-cooked eggs, place eggs in a large pot with cold water to cover. Bring just to a boil then remove from heat. Cover pot and let stand 15 minutes. Rinse under cold water and peel.

MINI BAKED POTATOES WITH MASCARPONE AND PROSCIUTTO BITS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Wash and dry the potatoes. Spread a 1/4-inch bed of salt in a baking dish and top with the potatoes. Prick the top of the potatoes. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked throughout.
• Meanwhile, make the prosciutto bits.
• Place a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Place prosciutto in heated pan. Drizzle bits with olive oil, and cook, stirring. The prosciutto will give off steam for about 5 minutes while it releases its moisture. When the hiss of steam turns to a sizzle, turn the heat down to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the prosciutto bits are crisp, about 25 to 30 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bits to several thicknesses of paper towel to drain. The bits will crisp even more as they cool. (Use immediately or freeze the bits for up to 6 months and warm in a skillet as needed.)
• Remove the potatoes from the oven.
• Cut an x in the top of each potato, and push in the sides to split open. Divide the prosciutto bits, mascarpone or creme fraiche, and chives among the potatoes and serve immediately.

SKILLET POACHED EGGS WITH PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Finely chop the green onion tops by first cutting them lengthwise into long, thin strips. Combine chopped green onion tops, extra-virgin olive oil, minced Italian parsley, and salt in small bowl; whisk to blend. (Can be prepared 3 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
• Lightly toast 4 sourdough bread slices. Spread each with 1 tablespoon green onion oil. Arrange 1/4 of arugula on each bread slice. Top each with 2 slices prosciutto. Transfer 1 prepared bread slice to each of 4 plates.
• Divide remaining green onion oil equally among four 1 1/4-cup custard cups or ramekins. Using pastry brush, spread green onion oil over inside of each cup to coat (most of mixture will fall back to bottom of cup). This will keep the eggs from sticking, making them easier to unmold later. Break open 2 eggs into each prepared cup. Place cups in large skillet. Pour enough water into skillet to reach halfway up sides of cups.
• Set skillet over medium-high heat and bring water to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover skillet and gently cook eggs until whites are just firm to touch and yolks are set to desired consistency, about 6 minutes.
• Using spatula and oven mitt or hand towel as aids, lift cups with eggs from water. Cut around eggs to loosen. Turn 2 eggs out onto each prepared bread slice. Garnish with Italian parsley sprigs.