Serrano Ham And Melon Recipes

Steps:

• Cut the melon in half and clean out the seeds. Peel away the rind and cut each half into
• 8 wedges.
• Place the ham in 1 layer on a large platter. Top with the melon slices and mint leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the cloves, star anise, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, vinegar, water, sugar, and lemon rind. Set the pan over medium heat, and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Cut the watermelon and cantaloupe into large cubes, and drop them into the pickling liquid. Let the melon pickle for about 1 minute to allow the exotic flavors to infuse the flesh lightly.
• To serve: Lay 2 slices of ham in the center of a serving plate and top with a nice mound of the pickled melons. Scatter some olives around the portion, drizzle with the olive oil, and a dash of coarse salt. Repeat with the remaining ingredients

Steps:

• Blanch basil leaves in small saucepan of boiling water until just wilted, about 10 seconds. Transfer blanched basil leaves to bowl of ice water to cool. Drain; using hands, squeeze out excess water. Puree basil leaves, 1/2 cup oil, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon sea salt in blender until smooth. Set aside.
• Divide melon among 4 large plates. Drizzle with basil oil. Arrange ham over melon. Sprinkle almonds and parsley over. Lightly drizzle additional extra-virgin olive oil over. Serve immediately.
• Tender Spanish almonds that are usually sold roasted and salted; available at specialty foods stores and natural foods stores and from tienda.com