Sweet Potatoes w/ Crispy Prosciutto

SWEET POTATOES

with CRISPY PROSCIUTTO

1-1/2 cups peeled and diced sweet potato (1 large potato)
2 tsp olive oil
1 slice prosciutto or 1 strip bacon, diced
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
2 Tblsp chicken broth
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 Tblsp fresh parsley, minced

• Cook sweet potato in a pot of water until fork-tender, 6-8 minutes; drain.
• Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto, cook until crisp, 3-4 minutes. (if using bacon, omit oil).
• Stir in garlic; cook 2-3 minutes. 
• Stir in broth and salt; cook until broth evaporates, about 5 minutes. 
• Garnish sweet potatoes with parsley.

recipe directly from Cuisine Lite Spring 2013 magazine

Melon Gazpacho with Frizzled Prosciutto

MELON GAZPACHO 

with FRIZZLED PROSCIUTTO

5 cups cubed peeled cantaloupe
4 cups ripe peaches, chopped
1/2 cup water
2 tblsp shallots, minced
2 tblsp fresh lemon juice
1 tblsp sherry vinegar
3/8 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp olive oil
4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into ribbons
4 tsp fresh mint, chopped
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• Place first 7 ingredients into a blender and process until smooth. (in batches if necessary)
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add prosciutto; cook until crisp. Drain on paper towel.
• In large sauce pan over medium heat, pour in melon mixture and cook until heated through (about 10 minutes).
• Pour soup into bowl or bread bowls and top with prosciutto, mint and pepper.

Can anyone see me in the picture? I spy!

Risotto with Prosciutto, Mushrooms and Peas

When I saw this recipe, I immediately knew I had to try. It has all the stuff I love. The recipe calls for Mascarpone, but if you can't find it, I have a recipe below for a wonderful substitute!

RISOTTO with PROSCIUTTO, 

MUSHROOMS & PEAS

Ingredients:

6-8 cups chicken broth

4 tblsp butter, divided

3 tblsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided

1 yellow onion, minced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 lb mushrooms, sliced

2 cups Arborio rice

10 oz frozen peas, defrosted

1/2 cup rich and creamy Mascarpone

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus shaving for garnish

8 oz prosciutto (about 12 slices), each slice cut into 3 long pieces (reserve a few pieces for garnish)

3 tblsp chopped fresh parsley

salt & pepper

Directions:

• In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. [be careful, it will overflow in a flash!]
• In a dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons EVOO over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; saute until soft, then remove from the pan and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon EVOO to the pan. Add the mushrooms and saute until soft and just brown. Set aside with the onions and mushrooms.
• Add rice to the pan, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Add a large ladleful of hot chicken broth, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring, until all the liquid is absorbed. Continue the process, adding broth one ladleful at a time. After 20 minutes, add peas, mushrooms and onions. Continue to add broth and cook until the rice is tender.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in Mascarpone, grated cheese and prosciutto. Add parsley and salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to a serving dish. Garish with shaved Parm cheese and reserves prosciutto. Serve Immediatly.
• Serves 4-6.

Substitute for the Mascarpone cheese:

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

2-1/2 tablespoons sour cream

8 oz cream cheese (not the lowfat)

Recipe derived from "A Decade of Cooking The Costco Way" recipe book