reviving dried-out ham

[scottie]

I have a bunch of old speck and prosciutto in the fridge. It's all dried out and covered in salt crystals. I know it will never return to its former suppleness, but does anyone think I can revive this stuff somehow? Or use it for anything beyond seasoning soups and beans? It was so dang expensive, I hate to throw it out.

[Sugarella]

The prosciutto ... wipe off the excess salt, cut into thin rectangles and cure in the fridge in straight white wine for about a week, then dry in a slow oven. Those are the best bacon bits.

[Fat Guy]

You can also cook some of it up with scrambled eggs.

[Lilija]

When I find that in my fridge, it's tomato sauce time. Some dried out old cured meat, simmered for about a half hour in a can or two of crushed tomatoes, some herbs, however you make a quick sauce. Or, I use it as a flavoring component in bolognese. Adds a very rich, very lovely meatiness, and the long simmer brings it back.

[scottie]

Thanks, guys. All good ideas I'll be playing around with.