BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH SHERRY VINAIGRETTE AND PROSCIUTTO BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• To make the bread crumbs, adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a plate with paper towels.
• Combine the prosciutto and olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the prosciutto is brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and transfer the prosciutto to the paper towels to drain. Add the bread crumbs to the pan you cooked the prosciutto in and toss to coat the bread crumbs with the oil in the pan. Scatter the bread crumbs on a baking sheet and place them in the oven to toast for 12 to 15 minutes, until they are light golden brown, stirring them once or twice during cooking time so they brown evenly. Remove the bread crumbs from the oven but leave the oven on. Add the prosciutto, chervil, chives, and tarragon to the baking sheet with the bread crumbs and stir to combine. Return the bread crumbs to the oven for 10 minutes, stirring them once or twice during that time so they cook evenly, until they are golden brown and crisp. Set them aside to cool to room temperature. Use the bread crumbs, or transfer them to an airtight container, and store them at room temperature for up to two days. Bring the bread crumbs to room temperature before using them.
• To make the vinaigrette, combine the vinegar, shallots, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, and set aside for about 5 minutes to allow the shallots to marinate in the vinegar. Add the oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly to combine. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or vinegar, if desired. Use the vinaigrette or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. Bring the vinaigrette to room temperature, whisk to recombine the ingredients, and taste again for seasoning before using.
• To cook the Brussels sprouts, put them in a large bowl, drizzle them with 1/2 cup of the olive oil, season with the salt and pepper, and toss to coat with the seasonings.
• Heat 1/2 cup of the remaining olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until the oil is almost smoking and slides easily in the pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Working in two or more batches, place the Brussels sprouts cut side down in a single layer in the oil and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown on both sides and tender but not mushy, using tongs to turn the sprouts as they brown. Remove the sprouts to a plate or baking sheet as they are done. When you've removed the first batch of sprouts, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan and cook another batch. Repeat until all of the Brussels sprouts are cooked, adding more oil as necessary. You can prepare the Brussels sprouts to this point up to several hours in advance. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature until you are ready to serve them.
• When you are ready to serve the Brussels sprouts, drizzle them with the vinaigrette, squeeze a few drops of lemon juice over them, and toss to coat the sprouts with the seasonings. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, if desired. Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving platter or dish, sprinkling each layer of sprouts lightly with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of bread crumbs over the top and serve, serving the remaining bread crumbs on the side or reserving them for another use. Serve warm or at room temperature.