Hawaiian Duo Turned Italian Appetizer

The ham-and-pineapple combination may incite passionate debates when it comes to pizza toppings, but it’s a proven flavor duo, insists Brian Rae, culinary director for ES Hospitality, the parent company of Standard Italian, which offers refined takes on familiar favorites. The Speck & Pineapple is a top-selling standout on the restaurant’s “Stuzzichini” (nibbles) menu, affirming the enduring appeal of the pairing.

Like prosciutto, speck is distinguished by a gentle smokiness. For this small plate, the speck is teamed with ripe, roasted pineapple, and the combination gets a drizzle of housemade chile crisp, featuring porcini powder. The simple dish abounds with flavor. “The speck brings salt, smoke and richness, while the roasted pineapple adds caramelized sweetness and acidity,” says Rae. The chile crisp finish ties together the separate elements, bringing a touch of heat, a sweet-savory garlic note and a punch of umami from the porcini. “It’s one of those dishes where every component makes the next bite more interesting.”

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