Italian menu

3dognight

Did you do the cooking WW?

I know if I do a 3 course meal, by the time I’ve sweated over a hot stove I’m sick to death of the taste and smell of it!

So I never really enjoy it or eat much of it to be honest, others clear their plates and say it was good, and to me that’s all that matters. Oh yes, and the cook can put their feet up afterwards which is most important!

Yes I did! That was a couple of weeks ago now.

The chicken worked extremely well as I marinated it in red wine which made it incredibly tender.

I think it was a Jamie Oliver recipe.

It was really an easy evening tbh.

Next meal is sisters birthday. Going to do Irish stew and dumplings (Delia) and an autumn pudding (beginning of October)

Did you do the cooking WW?

I know if I do a 3 course meal, by the time I’ve sweated over a hot stove I’m sick to death of the taste and smell of it!

So I never really enjoy it or eat much of it to be honest, others clear their plates and say it was good, and to me that’s all that matters. Oh yes, and the cook can put their feet up afterwards which is most important!

Because we've not grown up cooking such food, nor professional cooks/chefs!

Last night I had spaghetti vongole at an Italian restaurant - such basic ingredients but there is no way I could have re-created that lovely, simple and so so tasty plate of pasta .

Why is it that however careful you are to follow recipes etc, the food never ever tastes as good as the food you get abroad?

Lucca

Riverwalk

The primi was followed by a cold course of veal with anchovy sauce - so exquisite only an Italian could cook!

Like vitello tonnato? One of my absolute favourites.

Similar, but the sauce was only anchovies and a small amount - didn't smother the meat.

I've only ever eaten it once - must seek it out!

silverlining48

Gin?

Yes, gin! Very tasty but I think the high alcohol content meant it would not freeze fully. My favourite WI sub group is The Gin Club, where we gather once a month to drink different varieties of gin!

Gin?

I love sorbet for dessert after a big meal. I made some recently for a group of WI friends, one with mixed summer fruits and one with lemon and gin. The fruit one was prefect and set well, the gin one remained rather mushy but I decided to serve it anyway.

Guess which one was the most popular and disappeared very quickly!

What a good idea Nortsat. I would be looking for volunteers for the other courses too, leaving me with the vino ( but then I am no cook/chef).
Hope you have a wonderful time WW, it all sounds lovely.

Could a family member bring desert?

Espresso martini to finish.

Riverwalk

The primi was followed by a cold course of veal with anchovy sauce - so exquisite only an Italian could cook!

Like vitello tonnato? One of my absolute favourites.

Mushroom/cheese/spinach ravioli and garlic bread,but don`t tell Peter Kay,lol.

Grandmabatty

Whitewavemark can I come? I speak a little Italian. It all sounds awesome!

Bloody hard work !!

I have these brilliant ideas invite everyone then end up like a damp rag.

Still - first course is a doddle as would be the melon. I can cook the chicken stew the day before and if I can find something suitable might buy in the desert.

So doesn’t sound too bad.

Yes all welcome ??

Whitewavemark can I come? I speak a little Italian. It all sounds awesome!

Yes so far it is
Aperitivo - Prosecco and salted nuts and olives
Anti-pasti - cold meats cheese fruit olives bits of veg and bread
Primi- I was going round in circles thinking pasta but it would be too much so I think Monica’s idea of melon is good
Secondo - is chicken cacciatore with greens beans and potato
And salad
Not doing fruit and cheese course has I think everyone will be too stuffed
Dolce - still thinking. Got one who is lactose intolerant.

Also got an Italian flag for the table??

Antipasti. Mozzarella sliced with fried slices of aubergine and tomato. Really simple. You could add prosciutto too. Tiramisu is an easy pud too

The primi was followed by a cold course of veal with anchovy sauce - so exquisite only an Italian could cook!

Primo is usually pasta or risotto.

Are you have a “secondo” ? Eg meat or fish course ?

Correct

I'm no expert on Italian cuisine but do have a couple of Italian friends ..... as far as I know Primi is a hot course that follows antipasti.

An Italian friend served a primi of pappardelle al limone, something like this recipe:

I don't eat much pasta but do love silky pappardelle!

pappardelle

A recent Italian meal that I made for the family ( based on meals eaten in Italy) is chicken breasts slit down the centre, stuffed with goats cheese and chopped basil then lay large slices of tomato on top and drizzle with a good olive oil and bake in the oven.Serve with any pasta in tomato and basil sauce and warm garlic bread and a green salad.
A starter could be three bean salad with cooked prawns, and dessert any good ice cream.

Or mozzarella and tomato with basil.