Peach and Parma Ham Nibbles

Whew! What a scorching summer this has been – days of basking (and melting) in 30 degree heat. We have been craving tasty but thirst quenching snacks, and these parma ham and peach nibbles hit the spot. Juicy peaches, draped in crispy salty parma ham may well be the perfect summer combination.

Ingredients (makes 8 nibbles)

1 ripe fresh peach, stoned and cut into segments
2 slices of parma ham or proscuttio
Fresh Mint

Optional Balsamic reduction

The peach and parma ham snacks are delicious on their own (and very popular with kids). For a more sophisticated complex taste, add a balsamic reduction drizzled over the segments.

To make the balsamic reduction, simply simmer some balsamic vinegar in a pan on a low heat until it reduces in volume. The resultant ‘reduction’ is far less acidic than in its vinegar form, and with a slightly more complex and rich flavour.

Make more than you need, and keep it in the fridge for up to a month.

Method

First slice your peaches in half to remove the stone, before cutting the halves into 4 segments each.Cut each slice of parma ham into 4, and wrap around the peach segments.

Heat a griddle or non stick frying pan, and place the parma ham wrapped segments in the hot pan, turning until both sides and the back are crispy. This should only take a few moments.

Add a sprig of mint, and a cocktail stick for easy serving. This is how my kids like them, unadorned! And I will admit they are pretty yummy like this.

However, for a more adult version, add a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

These make great nibbles, but 3-4 of them with a small salad also makes a great starter.

Of course as I write this, (the British summer being a fickle beast), its the middle of august and it’s raining outside. But worry not, whatever the weather these make a delicious and easy snack.