If you have not had the chance to make it to Jasper’s for one of his experiences, you are really missing out. This guy is so talented and knows his food. The flavors he puts together are amazing and he is committed to supporting as many local producers as he can.

This Prosciutto Experience probably had some of the best food I have ever tasted. To be honest I have not had much Prosciutto. Growing up, I don’t think I had even heard of it. It wasn’t until I was older and traveled some that I found out about it.

The only thing to compare it too would be ham or bacon. But there is such a delicacy to the Prosciutto, that it just doesn’t seem to do it justice.

Immediately upon entering we were handed a Peachcello Cocktail, peaches and vodka…..need I say more?

Then for starters there were Castelvetrano Olives, wonderful breads and crackers from the very talented Susanne Frisse of Meadowlark Acres and Ricotta with Orange Olive Oil from the Tasteful Olive. (More about them another time). There was also a Chilled Local Melon and Prosciutto Soup, these delightful Prosciutto and Melon Pops and a wonderful Frittata. Jasper thought the soup turned out too thick but I thought it was perfect and that it had a wonderful texture. The Melon Pops, were these perfect cubes of sweet melon wrapped in a pink blanket of thinly slice Proscuitto. They were served on a lollipop stick with just a drizzle of balsamic. They were adorable and delicious. And the Fritta, do you see the picture? Yes, that is crispy crumbled Prosciutto on top!
The next course was a Green Egg and Prosciutto dish. It came with some asparagus that was cooked to perfection. The egg was perfect as well; the white had a nice crisp to it and the yolk, delightfully runny.

After that was a wonderful Hand Cut Taglierini Pasta with Proscuittto di Parma, Peas and Romano. By this time I was getting full and knew a couple more courses were coming. So a few bites later it was time to box it up and wait for the next divine dish to arrive.

I of course was not disappointed, upon my plate where these Grilled Medallions of Chicken stuffed with Fontina Cheese and of course Prosciutto. They were perfectly crisp on the outside and with the melted cheese on the inside made all the flavors blended beautifully. It was tender and juicy. Alongside the chicken were Susanne Frisse’s wonderful locally grown Tri Color Potato and Proscuitto stacks. Wow! They were so beautiful and tasted even better. They had a hint of fennel and were just a little bit spicy. I am hoping I can talk her out of that recipe.

Lastly, dessert consisted of a Sweet Polenta Tart with Local Peaches and Vanilla Bean Gelato with Crispy Proscuitto and Orange Caramel. Jasper garnished the dish with local blueberries that were picked that morning and given to him by yours truly! The Gelato and Crispy Proscuitto combination was out of this world. It had that great salty sweet thing going on the tart put it all over the top!

It was truly an Experience. Jasper used a couple of different kinds of prosciutto, gave us the scoop and some history behind it and as you can see, prepared it in some truly unique and delicious ways.

I hope you are able to attend one of Jasper’s “Experiences” The next one up is an Heirloom Tomato Experience get the details below.

“An Heirloom Tomato Experience”
August 9, 2010
Cost is $45.00 per person, does not include wine pairing, tax or gratuity.
For more information or to register call: 816-941-6600, email: jasperjr@aol.com or visit Jasper’s website.

In Good Taste,
Sharm


Prosciutto