Cachitos De Jamon De Venezuela Ham Filled Crescents Recipe 38

VENEZUELAN HAM CRESCENTS

Steps:

• In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine yeast, 1 cup warm water, and 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar; whisk to dissolve and allow to rest 8-10 minutes.
• With the whisk attachment, turn on the mixer and mix in remaining granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and salt. Slowly add in bread flour and mix on low speed until incorporated.
• Switch to the hook attachment and slowly add in all-purpose flour. Knead mixture on low speed until smooth and elastic, about 6 - 8 minutes.
• Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
• Punch dough down and divide into 2 equal parts. Form them into balls. On a floured surface roll each part into a 15 to 16 inch round, using a rolling pin. Using a pastry wheel cutter cut the round into 6 equals triangles (like slicing a pizza).
• Place 4-6 tablespoons of ham all over the triangle. Fold the corners over the ham. Start rolling each triangle into crescents, starting from the outside edge of the triangle. Once rolled, slightly curve the edges and place on the baking tray. Repeat with the rest of the triangles.
• Preheat the oven to 375º F. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and using a cooking brush coat each crescent with melted butter.
• Let them cool on a wire rack few minutes before serving.

CACHITOS DE JAMON (HAM CRESCENT ROLLS)

Steps:

• Activate yeast.
• In a large glass bowl mix sugar, salt oil, milk and flour. Knead until mixed. Add the egg and continue kneading, adding the yeast last.
• Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for two hours.
• Knead the dough again, and then divide it in half. Working with one half at a time, roll into a 10" circle. Cut the flattened dough into 8 triangles. Place ham in the widest part of each triangle. Then roll from the wide end to make a crescent. Place on a cookie sheet.
• Cover the rolls with plastic and let rise for one hour in a warm place. Pre-heat oven to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Brush melted butter on each roll and bake 15 minutes or until they are light golden. Remove and brush with egg white. Return them to the oven until they are golden brown.

CROQUETAS DE JAMON: HAM CROQUETTES

Steps:

• In large saute pan, saute ham, onions, peppers, and garlic. Add tomato paste and caramelize. Add parsley, nutmeg, and heavy cream. Sprinkle with 1/2 the flour.
• Season, cool, and grind in meat grinder. Shape into finger sized sticks or patties. Bread using remaining flour, egg, and cracker meal.
• Heat a saute pan filled 1-inch with canola oil to 375 degrees F. Fry the croquettes until golden brown.