Ham and Turkey in Aspic

Ham and Turkey in Aspic Recipe - A Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham and Turkey in Aspic is a classic dish that combines the flavors of ham, turkey, and rice in a savory gelatin. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal, as it is both elegant and delicious.

History

The origins of Ham and Turkey in Aspic can be traced back to European cuisine, where gelatin was commonly used to create savory dishes. This dish became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century and has remained a favorite for special occasions.

Ingredients

2.5 cups chicken broth
1.5 tsp onion juice or powder
Dash of ground white pepper
1 tsp celery salt
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (2 tbsp)
0.5 cup water
1.5 cups cooked rice
1 tbsp chopped pimento
0.25 cup sliced stuffed green olives
6 thin slices cooked turkey
6 thin slices cooked ham
salad greens

How to prepare

Bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add onion juice, pepper, and celery salt. Soften the gelatin in water and stir it into the hot broth. Toss together the rice and pimento.
Arrange 3 to 4 slices of turkey in the bottom of six individual molds. Spoon in a layer of rice, add a slice of turkey, another layer of rice, and top with ham. Pour the broth over all. Refrigerate until set. Unmold onto salad greens.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
Use different meats such as chicken or beef in place of the turkey and ham.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soften the gelatin in water before adding it to the hot broth to ensure a smooth texture.

- Layering the turkey, rice, and ham in the molds creates a beautiful presentation when unmolded.

- Refrigerate the dish until set to allow the gelatin to firm up and hold the ingredients together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham and Turkey in Aspic on a bed of salad greens for a refreshing and light meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is to properly soften the gelatin and allow the dish to set in the refrigerator.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Ham and Turkey in Aspic can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Unmold the dish onto a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or additional sliced olives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Ham and Turkey in Aspic with a side of crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham and Turkey in Aspic contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham and Turkey in Aspic contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham and Turkey in Aspic contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham and Turkey in Aspic contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham and Turkey in Aspic is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains gelatin, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Ham and Turkey in Aspic is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham and Turkey in Aspic is a classic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. With its savory flavors and elegant presentation, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Ham and Turkey in Aspic. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was wandering through the cobblestone streets of a charming little village in the French countryside. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, luring me into a quaint bakery where I struck up a conversation with the elderly baker, Madame Jeanne.

As we chatted, she mentioned a traditional dish that her grandmother used to make for special occasions - Ham and Turkey in Aspic. Intrigued by the sound of this unique dish, I begged Madame Jeanne to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed, and over a pot of steaming hot tea, she began to recount the steps to creating this culinary masterpiece.

The first step, she explained, was to procure the finest quality ham and turkey. Madame Jeanne recommended visiting the local butcher for the freshest cuts of meat, as well as the farmer's market for organic vegetables to accompany the dish. She stressed the importance of using only the best ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors in the final product.

Next, Madame Jeanne guided me through the meticulous process of preparing the meat. She instructed me to season the ham and turkey with a blend of herbs and spices before roasting them in the oven until they were tender and juicy. The aromas that filled the small bakery were intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Once the meat was cooked to perfection, Madame Jeanne showed me how to shred it into bite-sized pieces and arrange it in a decorative pattern in a large terrine. She then ladled a gelatinous broth made from simmering bones and vegetables over the meat, ensuring that every morsel was coated in the savory liquid.

As the aspic set in the refrigerator, Madame Jeanne regaled me with stories of her grandmother's legendary dinner parties, where this dish was always the star of the show. She described the awe and admiration that her guests expressed when they beheld the shimmering dish, its rich flavors and elegant presentation a testament to the love and care that went into its creation.

Finally, after hours of anticipation, the moment of truth had arrived. Madame Jeanne and I sat down at a rustic wooden table, the terrine of Ham and Turkey in Aspic gleaming in the center. With trembling hands, I took my first bite of the dish that had captivated my imagination and taste buds.

The flavors exploded in my mouth - the smoky ham and tender turkey, the delicate herbs and spices, the velvety broth that enveloped each bite. I closed my eyes in bliss, savoring every mouthful as though it were the most precious delicacy in the world.

As I licked my plate clean, Madame Jeanne smiled at me with a knowing look. "You have now joined the ranks of those who have mastered the art of Ham and Turkey in Aspic," she declared. "May this dish bring you joy and inspiration as it has for generations before us."

And so, armed with Madame Jeanne's recipe and a heart full of gratitude, I set out to share this culinary treasure with my own family and friends. With each bite of Ham and Turkey in Aspic that they savored, they too would be transported to that charming French village, where the spirit of tradition and love for good food intertwined to create a meal that would be remembered for years to come.