Antipasto Platters
Any party or formal function will start well with a tray of hors d'oevres being passed round the room. These delicacies will break the ice and give guests a choice of tasty snacks or starters. Italian cuisine embraces this tradition too and Antipasto platters, as they are known, are an opportunity to present the best Italian ingredients. They can appeal to meat eaters, vegetarians and those fond of fish. There are several variations but they all have one thing in common and that is flavor and freshness. Antipasto translates as 'before the meal'.
Typical ingredients include cheeses, cold cuts, cured meats, vegetables and herbs, such as basil and oregano. Marinades are often used and spices and peppers to add a little heat. Fortunately, Italy has an abundance of tasty meat products and vegetables. Italian cheese is popular all over the world. There are no rules about Antipasto platters, as long as the food complements each other in taste and texture. Good presentation is appreciated too and a little bit of color will please the eye.
Dry cured ham, which is not cooked, is a popular ingredient. One of the best varieties is Prosciutto and it is often folded round a breadstick, such as Grissini. Sometimes, in warm weather, it is placed round slices of melon. Culatello is a type of Prosciutto that can be cured with wine. The saltiness of ham combines well with salad in Antipasto platters. Iceberg Lettuce is often used for its crispy texture and a cheese, such as Provolene goes well with an Italian salad dressing.
There are many versions of Antipasto salads. These can be meat free or combined with ham, salami or pepperoni sausage. Any preferred pasta or macaroni could be added. Cheese is often Parmesan and Mozzarella. Other ingredients are typically olives, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, pepper and salad dressing. A more substantial Antipasto platter salad could also contain vegetables, such as broccoli florets or chopped cauliflower.
Salami and Italian sausage is often included, accompanied by artichoke hearts, mushrooms, red peppers, and olives. Cheese can also be added, such as Parmesan, Mozzarella and Gorgonzola. Antipasto platters can feature skewers too. Ingredients are threaded on to the skewers in colorful combinations.
Other common foods include celery, cucumber, carrots and eggplant. Pickling spice is good for marinating and tomato paste can add flavor in the preparation. For fish lovers, tuna is an ideal choice. Food can be prepared in advance and put in the freezer and taken out later for perfect finger food for a party.
