Figs with Ham

__________________________________________________

                            FOOD FUNNY
__________________________________________________

A fellow took his girlfriend to the movies. During the previews she
asked him if he would go and buy her some M&Ms. When he returned with
her candy, she opened the bag, picked out all the brown ones and threw
them away. "What did you do that for?" he asked her.

"I'm allergic to chocolate!" she replied.

__________________________________________________

                            TODAY'S RECIPE
__________________________________________________

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.
Received on Sun Sep 27 20:08:03 2009