SERRANO HAM-WRAPPED FIGS

Serrano Ham-Wrapped Figs image

Provided by Jose Garces

Categories appetizer

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

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1 cup dry red wine
1/4 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
16 dried Mission figs
2 ounces Serrano ham or prosciutto, sliced paper-thin
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
For the crema:
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (preferably La Peral; about 2 ounces)
4 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon roasted garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Prepare the figs: Combine the wine, 1 cup water, the cloves, allspice and peppercorns in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour over the figs in a large bowl and let soak at room temperature, 1 hour. (The figs can be prepared up to 1 week ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container.)
Meanwhile, make the crema: Combine the blue cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk and roasted garlic in a blender; puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. (The crema can be made up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container.)
Drain the figs and remove the stems. Carefully wrap each fig with a piece of ham, trimming as necessary. Place small dollops of the crema on a serving platter. Arrange the wrapped figs on the crema and drizzle with the vinegar.