Top 5 Fun and Creative Italian Solutions for Holiday Entertaining
We’re just a few nights away from the Winter Solstice and we could all use a little extra cheer on our tables. But since Christmas and New Year are just days away, there's no time to spare. Here are my top 5 fun, easy, and creative Italian solutions for holiday entertaining:
1. Arugula Wreath Salad
This dish is so fun to create that it will make even the kids in your family crave their veggies!
Simply place a mound of fresh arugula or mixed field greens on a plate or platter and shape into a round ring to form a wreath shape. Using a cookie cutter, cut a star out of bread or a yellow pepper to form a star.
Use pomegranate seeds or diced red pepper to garnish the wreath along with diced avocado or other vegetables to resemble ornaments. To serve, drizzle with Amy Riolo Selections EVOO and Amy Riolo Selections White Balsamic Condiment.
2. Star Shaped Sundried Red Pesto Crostini
Press a star-shaped cookie cutter into sliced white bread (I prefer sourdough). Brush with Amy Riolo Selections EVOO on both sides and place on a baking sheet. Broil for a few minutes on each side or just until golden. Slather with Amy Riolo Selections Sun-dried Red Pesto and serve on a serving platter with cheese, herbs, or arugula in the middle.
3. Maccheroni Pugliesi with Seafood
This delicious and nutritious recipe can do double duty as a first or main course. It's gourmet enough to be served on holidays but is easy enough to whip up in a few minutes whenever the mood strikes. To make, cook Amy Riolo Selections Maccheroni Pugliesi until al dente. Meanwhile, in a large wide skillet, sauté a pound of your favorite shrimp (peeled, deveined, and dried) in Amy Riolo Selections EVOO along with a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper and cook, turning often, until shrimp are slightly golden and cooked through. Spoon 1/2 jar Amy Riolo Selections Sun-dried Red Pesto into pan with shrimp. Stir to coat and toss into drained pasta. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
4. Candy Cane Caprese
This fun interpretation on the classic salad makes it popular with kids and adults alike. Simply use a round cookie cutter or the bottom of a small glass to cut fresh mozzarella into even round shapes. Cut tomatoes into the same size slices. Alternate mozzarella and tomato slices on a white platter to form a candy cane shape. Garnish with fresh basil and Amy Riolo Selections EVOO.
5. Chocolate and Clove Cookies
The combination of the aromas of chocolate and spices together create a party for the senses.
This Italian cookie recipe is to make en masse, so recruit your favorite people to roll them together in the kitchen.
Another mouthwatering sweet option are these Mostaccioli cookies that have Roman roots which incorporate Amy Riolo Selections EVOO.
With these solutions by your side, it's never too late to add festive flair to your table! Plus, if you truly want to take a breather, remember that Italians celebrate the holidays until Jan 6, so there’s still time to extend! These recipes also work well for New year’s or anytime. For example, the Candy Cane Caprese, Crostini, and wreath can become hearts for Valentines day. And rest assured that the cookies will be a welcome addition to any meal, any time.
To purchase Amy Riolo Selections products, use this link to order from DITALIA. Use discount code "amyriolo" at checkout to save 10% on the entire site! Look out for my segment on Good Morning Washington this week where I"ll demo the recipes live! Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous new year!
