(Jambon Persillé)

SERVES 10

This is a classic Burgundian specialty, a kind of terrine in which a purée of parsley leaves is suspended in gelée, making a lovely contrast to the rich, salty ham.

1  8-lb. trimmed, uncooked ham, with bone
2 lbs. veal bones
1 calf's foot, split
2 medium onions, each studded with 2 cloves
4 carrots
1 small clove garlic, whole, plus 2 minced
5 black peppercorns
3 tbsp. fresh tarragon leaves
3 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
2 cups dry white wine
3 cups chicken broth
4 tbsp. red wine vinegar
3 large egg whites
1 package powdered gelatin (optional)
4 packed cups parsley leaves, minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. In a large stockpot, combine ham, veal bones, calf's foot, onions, carrots, whole garlic clove, peppercorns, tarragon, thyme, wine, chicken broth, and enough water to cover ingredients by 1". Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, until ham is fork-tender, about 5 hours. Remove from heat. Cool for at least 1 hour.

2. Remove ham from bone and discard bone, along with veal bones and calf's foot. Shred ham into long pieces and cut into 1⁄4" dice. Combine ham, vinegar, and minced garlic, then set aside.

3. Reduce stock over high heat, to about 6 cups. Skim fat and adjust seasoning. Stock should be highly flavored at this point. Remove onions, roughly chop or mash them, and add to ham mixture. Strain stock through a coffee filter or cheesecloth-lined sieve.

4. Beat egg whites until stiff, and stir into stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. The crust, or "raft," that forms will trap any remaining food particles, clarifying the stock. Strain, pouring carefully to avoid disturbing raft; discard raft. Dissolve gelatin in 2 tbsp. cold water and stir into hot stock.

5. Pour a third of the stock into an oiled 12" × 4" × 3" loaf pan. Sprinkle with a thin layer of parsley, then a layer of the ham mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Repeat until ham and parsley are used up, ending with a layer of parsley. Add stock to cover. Chill for 24 hours. Refrigerate remaining stock, and dice, after it congeals, for garnish. Unmold onto a platter and serve with diced aspic.