Mozzarella Parma Ham Parcels Food

CHICKEN WITH MOZZARELLA, BASIL AND PARMA HAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200C, fan 180°C Lay out the fillets on a board.
• Season all over and carefully make a small incision about 4-5 cm (2-2 1/2 in) long and 3cm (1 1/2in) deep in the centre of each one to make a 'pocket'.
• Stuff 2 slices of the mozzarella and 3 basil leaves into each of the pockets - don't worry if either the herbs or cheese poke out a little.
• Wrap each chicken breast with 1 1/2 slices of the Parma ham to conceal the pocket.
• Heat the oil in a pan and sear each breast on both sides until golden.
• Place on a roasting tray in the oven for 8 minutes, until cooked through and the cheese is oozing.
• Serve with boiled potatoes in herb butter, plus salad.

PAN-FRIED MOZZARELLA PARCELS

Steps:

• Cut the mozzarella into thirds and wrap each piece in a slice of speck or prosciutto. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan until very hot. Season the mozzarella and fry for a few minutes on each side until the speck or prosciutto is brown and crisp and the mozzarella is starting to ooze. Tip from James: the tip is to cook the mozzarella quickly so it doesn't toughen.
• While the mozzarella is cooking, arrange small piles of lettuce on four plates. Peel, stone and slice the avocados, adding a few slices to each plate. Remove the mozzarella parcels from the pan and put 3 on each plate.
• Pour the balsamic vinegar into the pan and stir to combine with the cooking juices. Drizzle the warm dressing over the leaves and parcels. Serve with plum chutney and slices of ciabatta or focaccia.

CALZONE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the garlic, fry for 1 min until golden, then add the passata and half the basil leaves. Bring to the boil and cook until it is reduced to a thick sauce, so around 3 mins. Stir in the Parma ham and sundried tomatoes, season, then set aside to cool a little.
• Roll out the pizza dough to two 12-15cm circles, then split the mixture between them, piling it onto one side. Top with the mozzarella and remaining basil.
• Close the calzone, pulling the side without the filling over, then crimp around the edge, so it looks like a giant Cornish pasty. Transfer to a floured baking sheet and bake for 15 mins until golden and puffed up.