American·Appetizer
Prosciutto-Wrapped Horrible Hand
A macabre yet delicious Halloween centerpiece featuring a zesty roasted red pepper cheese spread meticulously shaped and "skinned" with thin slices of prosciutto.
Prep
45m
Cook
—
Total
165m
Serves
8
Method
- 01
In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, cayenne, chopped Italian parsley, and finely chopped roasted red peppers. Mix until well combined, then refrigerate until firm enough to handle.
Watch · 0:23
- 02
Place your hand on a sheet of parchment paper and trace around it with a pencil, angling the tip slightly under the fingers for a more accurate size. Flip the paper over onto a baking sheet so the pencil marks are on the bottom.
Watch · 1:33
- 03
Using a spoon, fill in the hand template with the chilled cheese spread. Build the cheese up to match the natural thickness of a hand and fingers. Smooth the surface, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for about 1 hour until very firm.
Watch · 2:30
- 04
Once the cheese is firm, 'amputate' the fingers and palm using a knife. Individually wrap each finger and the palm section in thin slices of prosciutto, ensuring the seams are on the bottom. Return the wrapped pieces to the freezer for another hour to firm up again.
Watch · 4:08
- 05
Assemble the hand directly on your serving board by placing the palm down first, then reattaching the fingers and wrist. Use extra strips of prosciutto to cover the joints and add detail, such as raised tendons on the back of the hand.
Watch · 5:48
- 06
Garnish the board with crackers and olives. For the final effect, plunge a cheese knife into the back of the hand and drizzle red hot sauce around the 'wound' to simulate blood. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Watch · 7:45
From Chef John
“Edible puns are the best puns.”
“You are after all the Russell Crowe of how far you should go.”
“The ability to make fake thumbs out of cheese and ham is what separates us from all the other animals.”