Smoked prosciutto, or Speck
Image courtesy San Daniele & Mastro
What is Speck?
Smoked prosciutto - also known as Speck - originated in the Alto Adige region, in the mountains on the border of Italy and Austria. While similar to prosciutto, it is both salt and smoke cured, as well as spiced.
The ham has the bone removed at the start of the process; it is then spiced with 10 different spices, notably juniper berries. After one month the ham is naturally smoked with hickory for 48 hours. It then dry cures for a further five months. The curing time is less than with prosciutto because the bone is removed at the start of the process versus the end of the process.
The combination of smoke and salt curing with herbs and spices provides the unique taste that people love.
How to order smoked prosciutto
Purchase the same as regular prosciutto. You can buy smoked prosciutto in the pre-sliced section of the deli. It is available at a limited number of stores in the service deli, where you should ask for Speck. If ordering, ask for it to be as thin as possible, it should be slightly transparent. Each slice is very flavourful - only a few slices are required per person.
Entertaining tips for Speck
• Incredible mixed with scrambled eggs and caramelized onions
• Speck has so much flavour, it is perfect alone wrapped around the end of a long bread stick. This makes an elegant appetizer.
Canadian Living recipe with smoked prosciutto: Prosciutto Brie Pizzettes.
Mortadella
What is mortadella?
Mortadella combines the most flavourful cuts of meat with spices to provide a surprisingly delicate and aromatic taste.
How to order mortadella
You can purchase mortadella in the pre-sliced section of the deli or ask for it at the service counter. If ordering, ask for it to be as thin as possible, without getting holes. If ordering from the deli, try and purchase just before eating, when the product will have the most aroma.
Entertaining tips for mortadella
• Make a classic panino - a sandwich using a fresh small loaf of bread - with just mortadella. Kids love this simple sandwich.
• Mortadella is available in "light" and "hot" varieties
• As with all Italian deli meats, bring to room temperature to capture the full taste and aroma of mortadella
Canadian Living recipe with mortadella: Rapini Ricotta Calzones.
Capocollo
What is capocollo?
Capocollo is a spiced and cured pork shoulder. It is prepared and cured similar to ham with additional spices, most notably fine ground pepper.
How to order capocollo
You can purchase capocollo in the pre-sliced section of the deli or ask for it at the service counter. Capocollo comes in many variations: mild, hot and extra-hot. The sliced format is extra-lean and also is available in mild and hot. A true Coppa is cured in the same manner as prosciutto for the most flavour.
Canadian Living recipe with capocollo: Fusilli with Smoked Gouda.
