Serrano Paste Recipes

Steps:

• Slice manchego into thin pieces, about the same size as the ham.
• Cut both the serrano and manchego into desired sized pieces.
• Alternating the serrano and manchego, arrange the slices attractively around the platter. Can be assembled up to this point a day ahead and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and garnish with pepper, if desired.
• Serve family style, giving each guest an appetizer plate and fork.

Steps:

• Place serrano peppers, garlic, and salt in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly pour the vinegar through the feed tube; process until sauce is smooth, about 5 minutes.
• Pour sauce into a saucepan; bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Pour sauce into a clean jar and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 day.
• Strain sauce through a fine-mesh strainer; store in the refrigerator.

Steps:

• Cook the Serranos in a cast iron skillet on high heat or under the oven broiler until the skin is brown on the outside, turning occasionally, but do not burn.
• (Beware the fumes) Add the rest of the ingredients and grind in a mortar and pestle (or use food processor) until it is thick and pasty.
• Use water to bring to spreadable, pasty consistency.
• Enjoy on tacos, or add to soups.

Steps:

• Make the tomato sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and chile; cook, stirring, until soft and translucent. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes.
• Add beefsteak and plum tomatoes to Dutch oven. Wrap thyme, parsley, basil, and herbs de Provence in a piece of cheesecloth, using kitchen twine to enclose. Add to saucepan and season with salt. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 hours. Remove cheesecloth packet and discard. Using an immersion or standard blender, blend sauce until smooth. Strain sauce through a fine mesh strainer and return to Dutch oven; set aside.
• Make the confit: Preheat oven to 150 degrees. Fit a rimmed baking sheet with a rack and set aside.
• Place cherry tomatoes in a large bowl and add garlic, thyme, and olive oil; season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Evenly spread tomatoes on prepared baking sheet and transfer to oven; bake for 3 hours.
• To serve: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add sea salt and return to a boil. Add pasta and cook, according to package directions, until al dente; drain.
• Meanwhile, place tomato sauce over medium heat and add chile, cheese, and tomato confit; season with cracked black pepper and fleur de sel. Stir to combine. Stir in pasta to coat with sauce and evenly divide between 4 serving plates. Top with basil and serve immediately.