Gastronomic Tower (Torretta Gastronomica)
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White bread slices (Pancarrè) | 12 slices |
| Zucchini | 100g |
| Shrimp | 100g |
| Smoked salmon | 100g |
| Cooked ham (Prosciutto cotto) | 100g |
| Cooked ham (Prosciutto cotto) | 100g |
| Mixed greens (Insalata misticanza) | 8 leaves |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Black pepper | 1 pinch |
| Cream cheese (Philadelphia) | 250g |
| Fresh liquid cream (Panna fresca) | 70g |
| Chives (Erba cipollina) | 5 sprigs |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Salt (to taste) | q.b. |
| Black pepper (to taste) | q.b. |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread Base: Begin by cutting 12 discs of white bread using a round cutter (approx. 7 cm in diameter). Grill the bread slices on both sides using a hot grill until lightly crispy.
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Prepare the Shrimp: Start by peeling the shrimp, removing the shell and cutting them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the dark vein (intestine) by making a small incision on the back with a knife.
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Cook the Shrimp: Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan with a whole garlic clove. Sauté the shrimp in the oil until cooked through, then remove the garlic and set the shrimp aside to cool.
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Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: Finely chop the chives, reserving a small portion for garnish. Place the chopped chives into a food processor with the cream cheese (Philadelphia). Add salt to taste, and pulse briefly to combine. Slowly pour in the fresh cream, blending until smooth and creamy.
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Grill the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into thin rounds and grill them on a hot grill, turning occasionally until lightly browned and tender.
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Assemble the Tower:
- Start with the fish layer: On a serving platter, place a small amount of cream cheese mixture and top it with a grilled bread disc. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of the bread.
- Add grilled zucchini and a slice of smoked salmon. Cover with a final disc of grilled bread.
- Decorate with small chive sprigs and a few rolled-up slices of smoked salmon to create a “rose” effect. Add some mixed greens for a final touch.
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Layer the Second Section: For the second layer, repeat the process but substitute the fish with cooked ham. Top with a disc of bread, a dollop of cream cheese mixture, and a slice of cooked ham in the center. Finish the layer with more cream cheese mixture and a decorative chive “rose.”
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Final Touches: Continue stacking the layers until all components are used up. Garnish the top with more cream cheese “puffs,” and finish the tower with a few fresh greens to bring the whole creation together.
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Serve and Enjoy: The gastronomic tower is now ready to be served! Enjoy this two-in-one appetizer with layers of fish and cold cuts, a delight for both seafood lovers and deli meat fans.
This Gastronomic Tower is the perfect appetizer to impress your guests, combining the freshness of seafood with the savory flavors of ham and creamy cheese. Perfect for any special occasion, this elegant dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
