Giada De Laurentiis' Prosciutto Cotto Pinwheels _ Giada in Italy _ Food Network
# Prosciutto Pinwheel Recipe: A Flavorful Journey with Ricotta and Jardin Air
## Introduction
In this article, we’ll walk through the delightful process of creating a mouthwatering prosciutto pinwheel recipe. This dish is not only a treat but also an adventure in flavor combining fresh ingredients like ricotta cheese, rosemary, and Italian-style pickled vegetables known as Jardin Air. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this guide will make the process enjoyable and straightforward.
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## Ingredients and Materials Needed
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the essential ingredients and tools:
### **Ingredients:**
- Fresh ricotta cheese (available daily)
- Fresh rosemary
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (freshly grated)
- Olive oil
- Prosciutto di Parma (cooked ham)
- Jardin Air (Italian-style pickled vegetables, typically containing peppers, carrots, pickles, fennel, and celery)
### **Materials:**
- Offset spatula (for spreading the ricotta mixture)
- Rolling pin or your hands (to roll out the prosciutto)
- A sharp knife or slicing tool (for cutting the pinwheels after chilling)
- A baking sheet or tray (lined with parchment paper for chilling the pinwheels)
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## Step-by-Step Guide to Making Prosciutto Pinwheels
### **1. Preparing the Ricotta Mixture**
Begin by gathering your fresh ricotta cheese, which is widely available and comes in various sizes depending on your needs. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with chopped rosemary for a hint of piney flavor. Rosemary grows wild near the sea, where the salty air enhances its aroma and taste. Add a touch of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to enhance the savory profile. Finally, drizzle in a little olive oil to loosen the mixture, ensuring it’s spreadable.
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### **2. Incorporating Jardin Air**
Next, introduce the colorful Jardin Air, an Italian-style pickled vegetable blend. These come packed with flavors like peppers, carrots, pickles, fennel, and celery, depending on the brand you choose. The vibrant hues of these vegetables add both visual appeal and a tangy note to your pinwheels.
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### **3. Assembling the Pinwheels**
Now, it’s time to bring everything together:
1. **Prosciutto Base:** Take a slice of prosciutto di Parma, which is essentially cooked ham (known as "kotto" in Italian). This cured meat adds a salty, savory base to your pinwheels.
2. **Spreading the Ricotta Mixture:** Use an offset spatula for easy spreading. The ricotta mixture will act as the glue that holds your pinwheel together. It’s crucial to spread it evenly across the prosciutto slice.
3. **Adding Jardin Air:** Sprinkle a little Jardin Air over the ricotta layer. This not only adds texture and color but also balances the richness of the cheese with a refreshing tang.
4. **Rolling:** Gently roll the prosciutto slice, keeping it tight to ensure neat layers. The process is simple yet fun, making these pinwheels perfect for quick snacks or school lunches.
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### **4. Chilling Before Slicing**
Once rolled, transfer the pinwheels to a lined baking sheet and refrigerate them. Chilling helps set the filling, making slicing easier later on. This step also ensures that your pinwheels hold their shape beautifully when served.
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### **5. The Final Touch with John Mayer Sauce (Optional)**
For an extra burst of flavor, consider drizzling a touch of John Mayer sauce (a sweet and tangy condiment) over the pinwheels before serving. This optional addition ties everything together, offering a delightful contrast to the savory prosciutto and ricotta.
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## Conclusion
These prosciutto pinwheels are a testament to the joy of combining fresh, simple ingredients in creative ways. From the creamy ricotta infused with rosemary’s aromatic notes to the colorful Jardin Air adding a pop of brightness, this recipe is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether enjoyed as a quick bite or served as part of a larger gathering, these pinwheels are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on this flavorful journey in the kitchen!