Ham Platter Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound smoked ham, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound prosciutto or other dry-cured ham, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound cooked ham, thinly sliced
• 1 cup arugula or other fresh greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olives (green or black), pitted
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 baguette or French bread, sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon black tea powder (optional, for a unique twist)
• 1/4 cup boiling water (for the black tea marinade)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea Marinade (Optional):

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea powder with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture can be brushed on the ham slices for an additional flavor dimension.

Assemble the Ham Platter:

• Lay out the different types of ham slices on a large serving platter, fanning them out or overlapping them for a visually appealing presentation.

Prepare the Accompaniments:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze and Dijon mustard to create a dipping sauce.
• In another bowl, stir the mayonnaise until smooth and ready for serving.

Arrange the Platter:

• Scatter the arugula or fresh greens over the platter.
• Add the halved cherry tomatoes and olives around the ham slices for color and contrast.
• If using the black tea marinade, brush it lightly over the ham slices just before serving.

Serve:

• Place the baguette or French bread slices on the side of the platter.
• Serve the ham platter with the dipping sauces on the side for guests to enjoy with their selection of ham and bread.

Garnish and Enjoy:

• Garnish the platter with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
• Enjoy your Ham Platter with a variety of hams, fresh accompaniments, and dipping sauces, perfect for a charcuterie board, picnic, or casual gathering with friends and family. The optional black tea marinade adds a unique twist to the traditional flavors of the ham.