One of my family's favorite foods that I make, or shall I say "put-together or create" is an Antipasto Platter. I've been doing it for years, it's a dish I first learned about while dining at an Italian Restaurant, when living in England long ago. If you have never heard of nor seen one of these, I must tell you about it. And, also say that "I think you have been missing out on something wonderful and delicious!"
An Antipasto Platter consists of Italian meats and cheeses and they're quite common at most Italian restaurants these days. A combination of cured meats, cheeses, olives, peppers, etc. The Antipasto Platter is a dish that we all truly enjoy and love to eat! I most especially like to serve a large Antipasto Platter for special occasions.
["Antipasto (plural antipasti) means "before the meal" (from Latin ante, meaning "before", and pastus, meaning "meal, pasture"), and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. . Traditional antipasto includes cured meats, olives, peperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses (such as provolone or mozzarella), pickled meats, and vegetables in oil or vinegar."]
For my family the main "must-have" is there always has to be some Prosciutto on the platter. I do like finding different cured meats or Salami to add also, but the proscriutto can easily stand-alone as the only meat and "star" of the show! Although, prosciutto can definitely be a bit price-y and expensive, but we find it worth the cost. It's that good, and it's special!
To prepare an Antipasto Platter I simply cut-up or slice some cheeses, roll-up or fold the meats, add olives, peppers, etc, and then arrange on a large plate or platter. It's just that easy! I find that most everyone likes and enjoys it, and with a variety of items there is something for everyone.
Serve with some fresh slices of bread, and I also prepare some Olive Oil with added fresh minced Garlic and Herbs-(Basil and Oregano) for dipping the bread into. All of this makes a delicious appetizer and before dinner treat.
Items Used: Meats-Prosciutto, Sopressata, Capocollo. Cheeses-Parmigiano Reggiano, Fresh Mozzarella, Asiago, Black Pepper Bellavitano. Vegetables/Extras-Kalamata Olives, Pimento Stuffed Green Olives, Pepperoncini Peppers.
Along with the other items meats, cheeses, olives and peppers, I also like to use marinated artichokes, roasted red bell peppers and/or sun dried tomatoes, too.(these items are usually in a jar and can be found in the same area of the grocery, or on the same aisle.)
And, for the times when it's just the Hubs and I, when we have an Antipasto Platter we can easily make a meal of it served along with some glasses of good wine, and be quite satisfied!
I hope you'll make an Antipasto Platter for your family and will enjoy it as much as we do. Buon Appetito!
