Savory Italian Rounds Recipes

ITALIAN PINWHEELS

Steps:

• Allow the refrigerated pie crust to sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes.
• Unroll the crust into a flat circle.
• Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on top of the pie crust, reaching all of the way to the edges.
• Top with a single layer of prosciutto; overlapping in some places is fine.
• Add mozzarella and Parmesan; sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
• Tightly roll up the pie crust, pressing gently to seal the seam. Wrap in foil; refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
• When ready to bake, preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick spray.
• Remove the foil wrap and slice the roll crosswise into ½-inch thick rounds. You should have about 13-14 rounds. I typically discard the tapered ends. Arrange pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pastry is golden brown. Cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

LIGURIAN FARINATA (SAVORY ITALIAN PANCAKE OR FLATBREAD)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, add the flour to the water, a little at a time, mixing and seasoning with salt until all of the flour and water has been absorbed; Add Optional Rosemary at this point.
• Let it rest for 4 hours (Or even better overnight).
• After this time, a layer of foam will have developed on the surface - Scrape it off with a spoon.
• Add the olive oil and remove the Rosemary (Optional) - Stir until all the Oil is absorbed.
• Pour into an olive oil well greased baking pan - the right one is called testo, made of "tinned copper" It should be about an eighth of an inch thick, perhaps a little more - a small deep dish Pizza pan will do (We used an iron skillet).
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Remove from the oven when one of the corners (or the edge) starts to appear dark and has turned a golden color.
• Sprinkle plenty of pepper and eat immediately.
• ***It is of paramount importance that the pan is perfectly flat and level when in the oven, otherwise one of the corners will be thicker and will be undercooked when the opposite corner starts to darken. It tends to stick if you do not use enough oil. Also use parchment paper.