Parma Ham Rolls with Avocado

Sweet yesterday, savoury today! This is a brilliant little appetizer that I made for my mom's birthday (well, that'd be Christmas eve) and it was incredibly popular. The plate was cleared in no time, and everyone who tried them went back for seconds.

It's great party food because you can prepare it well in advance. In fact, you *have* to prepare it beforehand, since the rolls need to be sliced when they're frozen. They go way too soft when they're thawed.

They're still pretty frozen in the photo, and not yet topped with toasted pine nuts, but you'll have to imagine how good they looked. Or just make them yourself!

If you don't like air-cured ham, use any ham at all! I'm sure it would be delicious with something smokier. Or hey, why not use large slices of bresaola instead? Or.. smoked turkey, even! The possibilities are endless.

Parma Ham Rolls with Avocado
Makes 3 rolls - about 24 bites

3-4 avocados
1/2 lemon, squeezed
1 red onion
150 g Philadelphia cheese (or other neutral cream cheese)
18 thin slices of Parma ham
salt
pepper
tabasco or chipotle chili sauce

To serve:
Pine nuts, toasted

Mash the avocados with the lemon juice and the cream cheese - use a handheld blender if you have one. Finely dice the red onion and add that. Season with salt, pepper and chili sauce. (I really prefer chipotle sauce if you can find it, it's slightly smokey and delicious.)

Place six slices of ham on top of a sheet of plastic foil, slightly overlapping. Spread a third of the avocado mixture on top, and roll into a tight roll. Wrap in plastic and freeze. Repeat with the rest of the ham and filling.

Remove from the freezer 1-2 hours before serving, and top with the toasted pine nuts.

Recipe in Swedish:
Parmarullar med avocado