A simple spring lunch appetizer of asparagus roasted in olive oil and sea salt is wrapped with Serrano ham. My husband, the chef prepared the dish with asparagus fresh from the local market.
Part of a set of six, the plate is 19th-century Majolica made in Sauggemines, France. The plates were designed especially for meals featuring asparagus and/or artichokes. While the plates were found at an antique shop in Paris for less than 200 euros, an identical set recently was offered for sale at the famous Marches aux Puces at Porte de Clignacourt. The price? A rather excessive 1000 euros! Either I got a real bargain, or an unscrupulous antiques dealer was trying to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.
YUM!! I'm going to have to surpise my husband with that one. He'll be impressed. It looks delicious! And the plate--ooh, I love that, too. :)
Posted by: Jessie | 18 April 2006 at 23:55