The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a fabulous party filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, delectable treats! This year, elevate your party game with the perfect duo: Aperol Spritz and Cicchetti. These Italian delights are a match made in heaven, super easy to prepare and will undoubtedly leave your guests craving for more.
Aperol Spritz: The Effervescent Elixir
Let’s kick off the soirée with the star of the show – the Aperol Spritz. This iconic Italian cocktail is like a burst of sunshine in a glass, featuring the vibrant orange hues of Aperol, the effervescence of prosecco, and the subtle bitterness of soda. It’s a refreshing and light drink that’s sure to set the mood for a fantastic evening.
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part Soda water
- Ice
- 1 Orange wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Pour all ingredients over ice and drink.
Video
Cicchetti: Small Bites, Big Flavour
Cicchetti sometimes spelt Cicheti or Cichetti, is the Venetian term for small, flavourful bites. This culinary art, combines simplicity with bold tastes. In Venice you will find little bars called Bacari that specialise in creating these little morsels. You can hop from Bacari to Bacari sampling the different Cichetti each bar has to offer (much like the Tapas Bars in Spain). It is an absolutely amazing way to spend a sunny afternoon in Venice!
You don’t need to travel all the way to Venice to experience these delicious little treats though! You can make them yourself and what’s even better is that these bite-sized snacks are the ideal companions to your Aperol Spritz, creating a Venetian experience right in your own back yard. What’s more they are easy to prepare and can usually be held in one hand, leaving your other hand free to nurse its Aperol.
Cicchetti Selection:
- Stracciatella Cheese with Tomato Confit
- White Bean Crostini
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4-5 cloves of garlic cut in half.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1½ cup stracciatella cheese
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- In a small oven-safe dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, garlic, rosemary and olive oil, make sure all ingredients are submerged in oil.
- Roast the tomato mixture in the preheated oven for 2 hours until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized. Be patient; slow-roasting is the key to achieving that incredible sweetness.
- Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- To serve, spread the creamy stracciatella cheese on a plate, and top it with the warm tomato confit, using a fork to drain it from the oil.
- Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Serve with slices of crusty bread to scoop up the cheese and tomato goodness.
Ingredients
White Bean Salad
- 120 grams cannellini beans
- 1 tbs lemon zest
- 1 tbs of lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 tbs of finely chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbs of extra virgin olive oil
White Bean Puree
- 120 grams cannellini beans
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Crostini
- 1 French baguette sliced into rounds
- Extra-virgin olive oil spray
- salt
Instructions
Prepare White Bead Salad
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans thoroughly, set half aside for the puree.
- Combine 1/2 the cannellini beans, zest, juice, garlic parsley, salt, pepper and oil in a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside until needed.
Prepare the White Bean Spread:
- In a food processor, combine the cannellini beans beans, a pinch of salt and olive oil and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy+ then stir through lemon juice.
Make the Crostini:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C).
- Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Spray each slice with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with salt.
- Toast the baguette slices in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until they are just golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the tray.
Assemble the Crostini:
- Spread a generous amount of the white bean mixture onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Top with a little of the white bean salad and serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 12 asparagus spears
- 12 sliced of prosciutto thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan
Instructions
Prepare the Asparagus:
- Wash the asparagus spears and trim the tough ends. Place asparagus on a plate and drizzle a few tablespoons of water into the plate and microwave for 2 minutes.
- Drain asparagus and refresh under cold water to stop them cooking any further.
- Dry asparagus thoroughly.
Wrap with Prosciutto:
- Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it tightly around each asparagus spear. You can use the entire slice or cut it in half lengthwise for a lighter touch.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle some shaved parmesan cheese over the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus for an extra layer of flavor.
Video
Nutrition
Setting the Scene
To enhance the experience, set up a chic Italian-inspired ambiance with string lights, rustic table settings, and perhaps even a playlist featuring classic Italian tunes. Encourage your guests to mingle, savouring the delightful combination of Aperol Spritz in hand and a plate of Cicchetti in the other.
As the sun sets and the party comes alive, you’ll find yourself immersed in the magic of Aperol Spritz and Cicchetti – a pairing that turns any gathering into an unforgettable celebration. Cheers to a season filled with joy, good company, and, of course, exceptional food and drinks! Cin Cin!
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