Veal Rollatini

Three different Italian Regions are represented in this dish: Valle d’Aosta in the northeast, where Italian Fontina is produced; Emilia-Romagna, the breadbasket of Italy for Prosciutto di Parma and Sicily the home of Marsala and the wine named after the city, as well as France where Demi-Glace originated.

Preparation time, 45 minutes, cooking time 15 minutes. (Makes 12 veal rolls -serves six)

Ingredients:

2 lbs. Veal Cutlets trimmed for scaloppine (about 12 slices)
½ lb. Prosciutto di Parma
3/4 lb. Italian Fontina cheese, sliced thinly
12 basil leaves
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 eggs, whisked
1 cup flour
6 tbsp. unsalted butter
12 oz. + ¼ cup Dry Marsala (see Note)
12 sage leaves, finely chopped
4 tbsp. Veal Demi-Glace

Preparation:

1.    Have the butcher slice and trim the veal for scaloppine, telling him you need 12 cutlets.
2.    Pat the veal dry on both sides and lay slices on a cutting board with narrow end facing away from you.
3.    Sprinkle top with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
4.    Layer on two slices of Prosciutto di Parma.
5.    Cover prosciutto with sliced Fontina.
6.    Place one basil leaf on top of the cheese, at the end closest to you.

Layering the Veal

7.    Carefully roll up the veal and other ingredients away from you so that the narrow end is on the outside of the rollup.
8.    Secure each roll with two toothpicks.

Rolled Up

9.    Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.
10.    When all of the rolls are secured, dip them one by one, in the egg and then in the flour and set aside.
11.    In a 14 inch non-stick skillet, on high heat, melt the butter.
12.    When the butter is bubbling, add the floured veal rolls and brown for about 3 or 4 minutes turning every minute until all sides are lightly browned.
13.    Lower heat to medium, add the 12 oz. of Marsala, cover the pan and cook the veal rolls for 6 minutes, turning each roll after 3 minutes.

In the Pan

14.    To make the sauce, remove Rollatini from the pan and keep warm in the oven.
15.    Add remaining ¼ cup of Marsala, the sage and demi-glace to the pan, stir and reduce to desired thickness. Return veal rolls to the pan along with any accumulated juices and turn once to coat well with the sauce.
16.    Transfer the Rollatini to a serving platter,  pour the sauce over them and serve immediately. Remind your guests about the toothpicks.

Note:  You can also use Sweet Marsala as well, however, I prefer the Dry type for this dish. This is a matter of taste preference and availability.