Spicy Italian Ham Cheese Cups Food

HAM, CHEESE, AND EGG CUPS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 6-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray, making sure the spray coats all sides of the cup.
• Cut ham in half and place 1 piece in each cup, pressing it down so it forms a basket in the cup. Sprinkle a small amount of Gruyere cheese on the bottom of the ham.
• Crack eggs into a a measuring cup. Add milk, basil, chives, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined.
• Pour egg mixture evenly into each muffin cup.
• Bake in the preheated oven until set, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before using a spoon to slide the cups out onto a plate.

SPICY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD WITH HAM AND PEPPERONCINI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk the oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the ham, tomatoes, celery, basil, pepperoncini and oregano to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

HAM AND CHEESE ARANCINI (ITALIAN FRIED RICE BALLS)

Steps:

• Saute onion in 1 T butter over medium heat until translucent and beginning to brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• In a bowl lightly beat 2 eggs. Stir in cooked rice, ham, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, sauteed onion, seasoned salt, garlic salt, parsley and pepper.
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Roll into 1-1/2-inch balls.and press a cheese cube into each ball, reshaping around the cheese.(I have used havarti and swiss in place of the cheddar with fantastic results!).
• Place the flour into a small bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in a second small bowl. Place the dry breadcrumbs in a third small bowl.
• Dip each ball into flour, then into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs.
• Heat oil to 375 degrees, then fry rice balls until golden brown (about 4 minutes). You can also shallow fry them in oil, turning to brown.
• Drain on paper towels and enjoy! They are nice dipped in french onion dip, ranch dip or all on their own.

ITALIAN HAM AND CHEESE SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over salad; toss to coat.

ITALIAN HAM-AND-CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally without cutting all the way through; open so breasts are flat. Place between 2 pieces of plastic wrap; pound gently with flat side of meat mallet.
• In small bowl, stir together parsley and mustard; spread over half of each chicken breast. Top each with half slices of cheese and prosciutto. Fold breasts to enclose stuffing; pressing edges together to seal. Sprinkle with salt. Place flour on plate; dip chicken in flour, tapping to remove excess.
• Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over meium heat until hot. Add chciken, cook 6-10 minutes or until golden brown, no longer pink in the center, and juices run clear. Place of serving platter.
• Increase heat to medium high. Add wine to skillet; cook 30-60 seconds until slightly reduced, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from bottom of skillet. Pour over chicken.