Saturday, October 19, 2013

Authentic Italian Appetizers (5 simple foods)

Today I am sharing with you 5 foods that you would most likely find on the table when invited in an Italian home.

When we have guest come over, I like to prepare an Italian meal, and I try to keep it as accurate as possible. 
So let's talk about appetizers.
In Italy we call them stuzzichini and antipasto, basically munchies and appetizers.
Aka, what you would eat right before dinner is served.
I am going to show you 5 foods that I bring to the table right before guest arrives.

Grissini. 

This is what an Italian breadstick looks like. 
No fluff, no garlic, no baking.
Grissini are basically long skinny crackers.
You find those in people's homes and at restaurants/pizzeria waiting on the table. 
These are very light crackers and are not very filling...you do want to eat the actual meal.

Patatine.

 Aka potato chips. Yes, salt and all. 
Then again, you don't put a big bowl out, just a small container, as this is not intended to fill you up.

Olive

Olives are a must. Enough said.

Cold cuts. 

Usually prosciutto and/or salame
I like the Genova (here called Genoa) salame, but when I can find a good Prosciutto, then I use that as well.

Carciofini.

Artichokes hearts. 
Or other marinated veggies.

Easy like that.
You can put this together in less than 5 minutes and does not require any cooking.
Yes there are other foods used as appetizers, but these are the most basics.
So next time, when you invite guest over for an Italian dinner, you will have your appetizer menu taken care of.

Stay Frugal,

12 comments:

Linda said...

This sounds just exactly like what my daughter, Amber, serves! I mean EXACTLY!!! Good to know the Italian names for them!

Danni@SiloHillFarm said...

Thanks for the tips! I miss the awesome deli's of my hometown Chicago where they had the best salami and olives! I do find some good Italian bread sticks at my local store...Alessi brand, I think. I'm pretty sure here in America, we think we have to dump the whole bag of chips out into a bowl!!

Kelly said...

I learn something new every time I look at your blog! I think those appetizers look good. My husband would LOVE them because he already loves olives and salami. When can we come over for dinner?

Leslie Harris said...

Very nice to see the Italian words for my favorite munches. I do agree with your suggestion of small portions, it's so easy to get full on this. Another one of my faves is bruschetta and I bet yours is the best.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Daniela,
Yummy and yes, we use even in The Netherlands the same cold cuts, or in Germany. Salame or Hungarian Salame. World Market Cost Plus is selling lots of these appetizers. You got one in Nashville as well.
Also Costco does have the Prosciutto and Trader Joe's has them! Even the dried beef Bresaola you find at Trader Joe's.
Happy Sunday to you!
Hugs,
Mariette

RealHouseWifeOfNOVA said...

yep! all of the above! I always thought it was weird we had potato chips out a lot, now I know why lol!

Jeanette@Creating a Life Studio said...

Oh, yum! I will keep this in mind the next time we serve Italian. Thanks!

Junkchiccottage said...

This all looks so yummy. I love to just have the appetizers with a nice glass of wine!!!!! Now I have a taste for Italian!!!!
Kris

must love junk said...

Looks delicious! (And simple, which I'm all for! :)
Susan

Anonymous said...

Mi sta venendo la fame!
You're making me hungry!
Buon appetito!

Heather @ The Beating Hearth said...

Mmmmm. I'll take these appetizers. Yum! My mom loves Italian bread sticks.

Amy of While Wearing Heels said...

You certainly know how to make your guests feel at home and welcome. Your authentic Italian appetizers I am sure sets the mood for the delicious meal that is sure to follow.