Prosciutto wrapped asparagus

Here is another great recipe courtesy of Giada! This easy to make appetizer is great for entertaining. This one is really easy and great because it can be made ahead of time and sit for a while before your guests arrive. It is meant to be served at room temperature. We made this for our Italian friends, Ilaria and Francesco, at our first dinner party in our new apartment. It was a big hit!

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus

Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)

12 asparagus stalks (about 1 pound), trimmed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

6 paper thin slices of prosciutto halved lengthwise

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Peel the bottom of each asparagus (or snap off the ends- this is what I do). On a heavy baking sheet toss the asparagus with the oil, salt and pepper. Put in the oven and roast until the asparagus is tender (about 15 minutes). Let them cool completely.

3. Once cooled, wrap each asparagus with one piece of prosciutto, leaving the tips of the asparagus exposed. Arrange on a serving platter and serve at room temperature.

This is a great appetizer where you get the flavor of the prosciutto, while eating your vegetables too J. It is also a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests. This will definitely be repeated many times in the Thielen household!

Reference:

De Laurentiis, G. (2005). Everyday Italian: 125 simple and delicious recipes. New York, NY: Clarkson Potter/Publishers.