Serrano Ham Olive Feta Rocket Platter With Homemade Crostini Recipes

SERRANO HAM AND MANCHEGO CHEESE PLATE

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.

GRILLED SERRANO HAM AND MANCHEGO CHEESE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat grill. Brush each slice of bread on one side with olive oil and grill, oil-side down until lightly golden brown. Turn over and divide cheese among bread slices. Top each slice of cheese with the slices of ham and grill until the cheese begins to melt. Serve with the mustard.

CROSTINI WITH OLIVES AND FETA SPREAD

Steps:

• To make crostini: partially freeze the unsliced bread loaf.
• Cut into 40 (1-inch-thick) slices.
• Arrange on a cookie sheets.
• Drain the tomatoes, reserving oil.
• Lightly brush one side of each slice with the reserved tomato oil or olive oil.
• Bake in a 300 degree oven for 6 minutes; turn over the slices; bake for another 6 minutes more, or until golden brown.
• Finely chop the drained tomatoes; stir in the olives and the minced garlic; set aside.
• In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until softened.
• Beat in the feta cheese and milk until smooth.
• Spread the feta/cream cheese mixture on top of the oiled side of the baked crostini.
• Top with a small dollop of tomato mixture.
• Garnish the crostini with shredded fresh basil.

SERRANO HAM CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat broiler. To make crostini: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Broil for 1 1/2 minutes (the broiling time varies from oven to oven so watch carefully as bread darkens). Turn over slices, and toast until golden, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a rack to cool.
• Rub crostini with tomato halves to infuse them with flavor and juices; discard tomatos. Drizzle crostini with olive oil. Top each crostini with a slice of ham. Brush with olive oil. Arrange on a serving platter, and sprinkle with parsley.