September 05, 2018

How To Snackiceddu Like a True Italian

If you’re hosting a big Italian meal - or just searching for some mouthwatering starters - we have your guide to all things snackiceddu!

These ‘little snacks’ cover everything from flavorful meats and cheeses to artichokes and olives and even a few refreshments to wash them down. And, whether you’re hosting five people or fifty - no matter which snackiceddu you choose, one thing’s for certain: they will all be crowd-pleasers.

Ready to start planning your menu? Read further for ideas on refreshing drinks and savory snacks for your next Italian get-together.

Small Bites

It wouldn’t be a true Italian meal without some small bites and snacks before dinner. As Sicilian-American slang for a little snack, it’s only fair that we deem Prosciutto and cheese our go-to snackiceddu. But, this isn’t just an average get-together—it’s an Italian get-together, and that means the standards are much higher.

Luckily, that’s where Volpi Roltini Singles come in. This genius little snack packs a flavorful punch by combining traditional cured meats like Prosciutto, Spicy Salami or Pepperoni with fresh mozzarella...all in a convenient bite-sized Roltini. With a savory snack that you can eat and talk with at the same time, it’s sure to be 100% Italiano-approved.

Castelvetrano Olives You can also never go wrong with adding olives or olive-based items to your antipasti platter. And green olives, especially Castelvetrano Olives, are a perfect way to round out your guest’s palette. Subtly rich with hints of sweet, salty and buttery, this simple addition takes your appetizer from average - straight to the heart of western Sicily.

To take things a step further, you can try this Olive Scaciati Recipe:

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds large, unpitted green Castelvetrano olives
2 cups 1/2-inch celery pieces with leaves
3/4 cup Olio Tre Casi Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup Bottega Ditalia Wine Vinegar
3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Wash olives, and drain. Gently pound each olive with a wooden mallet to open. (Don't mash, and don't remove pit.) Place olives and celery in a large bowl.

Step 2: Whisk together the olive oil, oregano, pepper, white wine vinegar, crushed red pepper and garlic cloves until blended; then pour over olive mixture, tossing to coat.

Step 3: Cover and chill 8 hours. Or, refrigerate up to 1 month. Serve at room temperature.

Spread the cheese, spread the love

‘Tis the season for eating cheese (because, of course, every season is) but, with just the right heavenly spread of cheese, you can make your guests feel as if eating them is a holiday in itself.

Of course, any cheese or charcuterie will be a great addition to your spread, but you truly can’t go wrong with a creamy cheese like Asiago or Caciocavera. Crafted from a blend of cow and goat's milk, Caciocavera is truly a unique experience in the world of cheese. As a cross between smooth mozzarella and the earthy depth of provolone, it’s the perfect guest to your antipasti table.

You can also add a little extra love by including Terre di Puglia Tarralini— snack-friendly, bite-sized versions of the classic Taralli cracker. Seasoned with garlic oil and hot red pepper, our Tarallini Aglio Olio E Peperoncino will have everyone saying ‘buonissimo’ in-between bites.

Salute

Of course, you can’t have an Italian gathering without a couple bottles of fine wine and an assortment of other refreshments. But, if you really want to show off your host/hostess skills, try adding drinks with Lemoncocco to the list. Inspired by the distinctive lemon and coconut stands found along the cobblestone streets of Rome, Lemoncocco cocktails are the perfect way to wash down small snacks and whet your guest’s appetite.

For example, you can try this simple Lemoncocco Inspired Aperol Spritz:

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. Lemoncocco
1 oz. Aperol
1 oz. Prosecco
Orange or lemon slice for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Fill up a glass with ice
Add the Aperol first, then add Prosecco and top off with Lemoncocco
Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange

In the end, your menu is completely up to you. But, with any combination of these small bites, snacks and refreshments, we can tell you that you’re sure to leave any of your Italian friends happy, well-fed and reminiscing of home.