CARAMELIZED MOZZARELLA CROSTINIS w/CHERRY BLACK PEPPER JAM AND PROSCIUTTO
His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
Prep Time:10 minutes Ready In:
1 hour or less Serves:
4
Ingredients:
FOR THE CHERRY BLACK PEPPER JAM ½ cup Dried cherries (or substitute for raisins) ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper ½ cup Sugar ½ cup Red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon Kosher salt FOR THE ASSEMBLY 2 slices Prosciutto, cut into 4 slices each 1 Small loaf of Focaccia 2 slices Tre Stelle ® Deluxe Mozzarella, ¾’’ Thick Kosher salt Canola oil
Instructions:
FOR THE CHERRY BLACK PEPPER JAM Add ingredients to small pot and reduce over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once thickened and almost no liquid remains, remove from heat and place in a new container and chill in refrigerator. FOR THE ASSEMBLY Slice focaccia through the middle of the loaf, along the equator, and cut top and bottom halves into eight 1’’x 3’’ pieces. Add a small amount of canola oil to a non-stick pan, and heat the pan over medium heat. Toast the focaccia pieces face down in the hot oil until crispy. Remove from the pan and wipe pan clean. Add a drizzle more canola oil and turn heat to high. Season the mozzarella slices with a small amount of kosher salt. When the pan is very hot and the oil begins to shimmer, carefully add the mozzarella to the hot pan and cover immediately with a lid. The mozzarella will sizzle and look like it’s melting out the sides. Griddle for 10 seconds and then use a spatula to flip the mozzarella. Add the lid back on and cook for a further 10 seconds. Do not overcook or the mozzarella will melt. Remove from the pan and set aside on a cutting board. Cut the mozzarella slices into four pieces each. Add one piece to each slice of toasted focaccia. Add a small spoonful of the cherry jam on top of each slice of cheese, and then nicely ruffle up the slices of prosciutto. Add one slice to each piece of toast to garnish and serve immediately.
