Italian Starter

[manealca]

Please can anyone give me a recipe for an easy Italian starter, preferably one that can be made in advance, I'm trying to do an Italian themed dinner party. I've got the main course & dessert sorted out , but can't think what to have as a starter.

[redcrx]

caprese salad, very very simple http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/soup-and-sa lad/members/caprese-salad-serves-2

[SazzyC0]

I had something similar to this in an Italian restaurant once. It was just slices of beef tomatoes and mozzarella with really nice oil drizzled on it with a bit of basil. Easy, can be done in advance and tastes great!

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-a nd-drink/recipes/a-salad-of-mozzarella-tomato- and-basil-854963.html

[joannie10]

i love what red has suggested but here is another couple of ideas -

http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/asparagus-u nder-wraps,848,RC.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/fre shtomatosalsawith_8881.shtml

[woozer]

antipasto is very italian - get sliced salami, mortadella etc from the deli and serve with olives and some of those lovely vegetables preserved in oil - like artichoke hearts - you can also include small fish like sardines or calamari which are often included on the deli conter as seafood salad inlcude a bread basket if you wan thtem to fill up- plate it up if you want o control portion size or just put each element out on the table and let people help themselves. Hope the meal goes well !

[NoMercy]

I once had an amazing starter at the San Carlo in Birmingham.

A pineapple, sliced lengthways, flesh scooped out and filled with prawns.
This can also be done with small orange melons, with parma harm draped over the sides.

[ummmm]

A really really simple one from my Italian cook book.

Beef tomato's, mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar.

Slice the tomato's and put some mozzarella on each slice then a little basil and repeat until you have a stack of about 3 tomato slices. Cook in the oven until cheese has melted......sprinkle with balsamic and serve.

It's yummmmy and easy

[stewey]

I think that a salad is traditionally eaten at the end of the meal amonst Italians......it cleanses the palate.

[NoMercy]

An extra nice touch would be to serve Prosecco (Italian version of Champagne or Cave) But steer clear of Nasty Asti..........

[crisgal]

personally i would steer clear of bruschetta with toppings as they become soggy so quickly.
I would also never have tomato and mozzerella unless the cheese is very very fresh (not the stuff from supermarkets, it has very little flavour.)
I would go for either a tuna and bean sald - very easy and quick. Also is better if made erfore the guests arrive - very handy!
Or the antipasti (my fave)
I would put a couple of slices of the hams and salamis on everyone's plate, with artichoke hearts, sweet peppers, figs if you can get them. You could even dry your own baby tomatoes the night before in the oven (people will be so impressed!) Serve with dry bruschetta - that way you can keep it warm until eeryone is sat down. seve the bread with a garlic clove on a cocktail stick, so that they can add it themselves. have oil, vineagr and salt at the table - and ecco fatto!!

Let me know if you want the tomato recipe.
I have to ask, manealca, what are your main and dessert?
--drool --

[crisgal]

i was rushing that post a bit, me tea's ready - could you tell? LOL

[manealca]

Thankyou for all of your ideas, I will find on of these recipes really useful I'm sure. In reply to Crisgal, the main course is Lasagne, roasted vegetables & potato wedges & the dessert is Tiramisu. ( all home made )