Recipe BookIl Dolce Estate
San Daniele 24 Months · Strawberry & Basil · Burrata
Why This Ham
San Daniele is gentler than Parma — less salt, more sweetness, an almost floral character. That makes it the perfect bridge to the strawberry: both share natural sweetness, both are restrained and elegant. Parma would be too rustic here, Bellota too dominant.
Flavor Profile
Finely sweet, mild-salty, a light floral note. Strawberry brings fruit acidity and red freshness, basil a green, slightly peppery aroma. Burrata provides creamy weight as an anchor. Balsamic sets a dark, sweet-sour finish.
What's New
Strawberry and ham has been a seasonal classic in northern Italy for decades. New is the combination with burrata instead of mozzarella and the deliberate use of basil as a bridging aromatic between ham and fruit. That lifts the pairing to restaurant level.
Canapé
- Halve or quarter strawberries — depending on size.
- Form a San Daniele slice loosely into a wave.
- Spread burrata on a crostino (a small spoonful).
- Lay on the San Daniele wave, lean a strawberry piece against it.
- Basil leaf, 2 drops of aged balsamic, fleur de sel.
The Tray
- White marble board or light slate for maximum contrast.
- Arrange San Daniele in rosette form in the centre and around the edge.
- Strawberry halves between the rosettes — cut side up.
- Place a burrata ball in the centre, lightly scored.
- Add basil sprigs, a balsamic bottle, a fleur-de-sel dish.
The Story
San Daniele lies in Friuli, where the winds from the Adriatic and the Alps meet. Only there, in this unique microclimate, may the ham carry this name. The tradition reaches back to the 14th century. The pigs come from 10 defined regions of Italy, raised on grain and whey. What emerges is purity.