It all started at my favorite place to shop: Costco. Most people know me as the one who gets overly excited by Costco and its high-quality foods in large quantities and discount prices. I think it’s because I’m from Costco’s home turf – Kirkland, Wash. is right outside Seattle, so everyone in Washington State feels a little ownership over our big-box baby.
On a recent trip, I spotted nearly a pound of prosciutto (domestic, alas) for $8. We all know it costs more than $20 per pound at the regular grocery store. I bought it, then regretted it because how could I possibly eat that much prosciutto by myself?
Oh, friends. Of course I could!
First, I made this wonderful dish that I adapted from Bon Appetit. Juicy, ripe pear is drizzled with a light anise-seed vinaigrette and mint. Then, you layer ribbons of prosciutto on top and add extra mint (clipped from the garden, naturally). It’s a new twist on the melon-prosciutto combination that so many people love.
The mint adds a fresh brightness and the anise seed give you a little crunch of delicate licorice flavor (but not too much, because I hate licorice).
Pear and Prosciutto Salad with Mint and Anise Seed
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons good pear nectar (or juice)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon aniseed, lightly crushed (I just pinched between my fingers)
- 2 tablespoons sliced fresh mint, divided
- 1 unpeeled very ripe pear, halved, cored, each half cut into 6 wedges
- Thin prosciutto slices
Whisk oil, nectar, vinegar, and aniseed in small bowl; stir in 1 tablespoon mint. Season to taste with salt. Arrange pear wedges on plates; drizzle vinaigrette over. Top with prosciutto. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper and remaining 1 tablespoon mint.
A lovely snack or first course to enjoy in the back garden or front porch. I believe we enjoyed ours with a crisp white wine.
Enjoy, friends! xoxo
