Subject: Figs with Ham
From: Unicorn (unicorn@indenial.com)
Date: Mon Feb 14 2000 - 09:04:46 EST
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: FOOD FUNNY :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I think reader Kerri Mousseau is trying to put the ol' World Wide
Recipes Groan-O-Meter out of commission with this one:
A well-known gourmet living in New York City was about to embark on a
trip Down Under. He was looking forward to sampling some local
delicacies, and so visited the Australian Embassy to find out if there
was any place in particular he should go.
The ambassador was most helpful giving him some excellent suggestions.
As the gourmet was about to leave, the ambassador stopped him and said
"If I may, sir, there is a place that is a little off the beaten
track, which you may find worth the trip. I can promise you, it will
be one of, if not THE best meal you've ever had." Intrigued, the
gourmet asked where it was. "It's in a little town near Melbourne;
the restaurant is called Mercy. And might I suggest you have their
famous koala tea after dinner - rather unique".
The gourmet left for his trip, armed with directions and lists of
places the ambassador suggested. Since he was landing in Melbourne,
he decided to make Mercy his first stop. Just as the ambassador
promised, it was the best meal he had ever had. Everything was
perfection. He was cleaning his plate when the waiter approached and
asked if he would like anything else. Remembering the ambassador's
suggestion, the gourmet asked for a cup of koala tea. "Very good,
sir", and the waiter disappeared through a side door.
A few minutes later, he re-appeared carrying a koala bear, and off
they went to the kitchen. A few minutes after that, one very wet and
very disgruntled koala bear was seen running back out the side door.
Shortly, the man's tea was brought and set before him. A bit leery,
but curious, the gourmet decided to try a sip. It was wonderful!!
Very tasty, but there were a few hairs in it. He called his waiter
over, and asked if he could have the hairs removed. The waiter looked
very apologetic, and explained "I'm very sorry, sir, but you see, the
koala tea of Mercy is not strained".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::: TODAY'S RECIPE ::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The cooking of Portugal is perhaps the most over-looked and
under-rated in all of Europe. With culinary traditions adopted from
across its once vast empire, the Portuguese cooking traditions
incorporate foods, flavorings, and techniques from all over the world.
The Portuguese are justifiably proud of their local ham "presunto,"
which is virtually unavailable outside of that country. Italian
prosciutto, which is very similar in flavor and method of curing,
makes an excellent substitute.
Figs with Ham (Figos com Presunto)
4 to 6 large, ripe, fresh figs
1/2 lb (250 g) thinly sliced prosciutto
4 to 6 tsp (20 to 30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Wash the figs well and remove the stems. Carefully slice the figs
from the stem to about 1/4 inch (5 ml) of the bottom, so that the
pieces are still attached and can be splayed out in the form of a
flower. Make 4 slices to form 8 "petals." Arrange 5 or 6 slices of
prosciutto on each serving plate in a radiating design, like the
spokes on a wheel. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with black
pepper. Place a fig in the center of each plate, spreading out the
"petals" to give an attractive appearance. Serves 4 to 6.
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