Spanish Style Pressed Ham And Cheese Sandwiches Food

SWEET AND SMOKEY SPANISH-STYLE HAM

Steps:

• Let the ham sit at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Trim off any skin from the ham if needed. Score the ham through the fat in a diagonal crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. Place the ham, flat-side down, on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour 1/4 inch of water into the bottom of the pan. Roast ham until it reaches an internal temperature of about 130 degrees F, about 2 1/2 hours or 15 minutes per pound.
• Meanwhile, combine the sugar, paprika, garlic powder and oregano in a small bowl and stir until well mixed. Whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is a smooth paste.
• Remove the ham from the oven when it has reached 130 degrees F internally. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Spoon or brush the mustard all over the ham. Spread the spice paste with a spoon as evenly as possible all over the ham. Add water as needed to the bottom of the pan. Return the ham to the oven and roast until the paste forms a very light brick red crust, turning once halfway through, about 25 minutes more.

BREADLESS HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Stir together the sour cream, chives, mustard, horseradish and a few grinds of black pepper in a small bowl.
• Lay four slices of jicama out on a work surface. Spread each with some of the mustard-horseradish sauce, top each with 1/4 of the ham, a slice of cheese, and about 1/2 cup of arugula. Sandwich with the remaining jicama slices, cut in half and serve with a pickle spear if using.

SASSY HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chives and thyme. Mix until well combined and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the butter, onions, Parmesan and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside in a warm spot to keep the butter from solidifying.
• Cut all 12 rolls in half. Place the roll bottoms in a 9- by 13-inch pan. Place equal amounts of ham (about 3 slices) on each roll. Top with the gruyere. Spread a generous amount of the chive and cream cheese on the roll tops. Place the tops on top of each sandwich bottom.
• Pour the butter mixture over the top of the sandwiches. Cover with foil and bake until the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to toast the buns.

SPANISH HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH-BOCADILLO DE JAMóN

Steps:

• Slice baguette in half, lengthwise. Drizzle olive oil on the inside of both halves of the bread.
• Arrange the ham on the bottom half of the baguette, then arrange Manchego cheese slices on top of the ham. Then arrange the piquillo peppers over the cheese. Then (if using the olives) evenly distribute the olives on top of the peppers.
• Place the other half of the bread on top. Cut the baguette in half. To serve, cut both portions in half (for easier handling), and serve with tapas or your favorite chips.

SPANISH GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES WITH MANCHEGO AND JAMóN SERRANO

Steps:

• Line baking sheet with waxed paper. Spread butter on bread slices, dividing equally. Place 2 bread slices on prepared baking sheet, buttered side down. Top bread slices with half of sliced cheese (1 1/2 ounces each); top cheese with ham, dividing equally. Sprinkle dates over. Top with remaining cheese, then remaining 2 bread slices, buttered side up. Refrigerate 30 minutes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and keep chilled. Peel plastic from sandwiches before continuing.
• Heat panini press and cook sandwiches according to manufacturer's instructions. (Alternatively, heat heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to mediumlow. Place sandwiches in skillet. Place another large skillet atop sandwiches; place weight, such as large can of tomatoes, atop skillet. Cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese melts, about 4 minutes per side.)

BOCADILLO (SPANISH HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICHES)

Steps:

• Cut rolls open and toast lightly under broiler or in toaster oven. Smash garlic cloves with side of a knife, place in a small bowl and toss with olive oil to flavor.
• Lightly brush insides and ousides of rolls with garlic oil. Place 4 bottom halves in a large, heavy non-stick skillet. Place sliced tomatoes on bread, sprinkle with oregano, then layer with meat and cheese. Top with upper halves. CLose and press together well. Heat skillet over med-high heat. Lower heat and cook about 6 minutes per side, until outside is lightly crisped and cheese is melted. For crisper, thinner sandwiches, flatten with another skillet or a wide-bottomed saucepan as they cook, or use a panini press.
• Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately.