Prosciutto Parmesan Stock Food

PROSCIUTTO-PARMESAN STOCK

Steps:

• Combine some prosciutto rinds or ends (or 4 ounces sliced prosciutto), a few pieces of Parmesan rind, 2 crushed garlic cloves, a rosemary sprig and 6 cups water.
• Bring to a boil, simmer, then strain.

PROSCIUTTO BROTH WITH FARRO AND SPINACH

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, combine the prosciutto, Parmesan rind, thyme, carrots, celery, garlic, shallots and 7 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer for 45 minutes, skimming any foam comes to the surface. Strain the broth and set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, add the farro and water to cover by 1 inch. Add the salt and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and simmer until the farro is tender and most of the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Drain off any excess water and set aside.
• In a separate Dutch oven or large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until deep golden brown, 10 minutes. Deglaze with the Marsala. Add the cooked farro and the prosciutto broth, and bring to a simmer. Add the spinach and stir until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Serve the soup in bowls. Top with Parmesan crisps if using.

CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a big soup pot, set over med-high heat.
• Add in leeks; saute/stirring, until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
• Add in cauliflower florets, chicken stock, and cayenne pepper; bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally; then reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover pot.
• Cook until vegetables are very tender, about 20 minutes.
• Puree the soup in batches in a food processor, blender, or food mill, and return soup to pot (or use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot).
• Whisk in 1/2 cup of the cheese and the creme fraiche; taste the soup and season with salt if needed (the soup can be made 2 days ahead; cool, cover, and refrigerate; reheat over medium heat).
• Cut the prosciutto into julienne strips 3-4 inches long and 1/4 inch wide.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat; when hot, add the prosciutto, saute/stir occasionally, until crisp and browned, for 4-5 minutes.
• Using slotted spoon, transfer prosciutto to paper towels to drain.
• To serve--ladle soup into 6 soup bowls; sprinkle each serving with some prosciutto, chopped parsley, and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.

PROSCIUTTO CRISPS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange the prosciutto on the prepared baking sheet so that the slices are not touching.
• Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until very crisp. Let cool completely on the baking sheet. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

PROSCIUTTO AND PARMESAN PINWHEELS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with nonstick oil spray.
• Roll the thawed pastry out onto a flat surface. Spread Dijon mustard to taste on the pastry sheets. Cover pastry with a layer of prosciutto, then cheese. Roll the sheets, beginning at the long side. Cut into 1 inch thick sections. Arrange the sections on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes.

CHICKEN BREASTS WITH CHEESE AND PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Sprinkle breasts with salt and pepper. Place flour in small paper bag, add breasts. Shake bag until chicken is well coated. Shake off excess.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy skillet and brown chicken breasts.
• Place in a shallow butter baking dish.
• Place a slice of prosciutto over each, then a slice of cheese.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Dot with the remaining butter.
• Pour in chicken stock.
• Bake in 350ºF for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese has melted and begun to brown.