antipasto food memories coming up….
From time to time, it is fun to reminisce about a very fond memory. Especially when the memory is about food! For this reason, it is time to break out the famous antipasto tray from my cabinet. Webster dictionary defines antipasto as “any of various and typically Italian hors d’oeuvres” And who doesn’t love hors d’oeurves?? The best part of a antipasto tray is that there are so many scrumptious choices, and they are all in their own pretty house.
to cruise or not to cruise…
As long as I can remember, our family typically goes on a special vacation every few years. I wanted to take Garrett and Maddie on their first trip to Europe and see them experience the wonder that I had been so lucky to discover at their age. After many years of planning and plotting, we decided to go on a Mediterranean cruise adventure. The first thing to know about Garrett Maddie and I going on a cruise, is that we had never been on one. More specifically, we had no desire to ever be on one. After a few of my design clients gently urging me in the cruise direction, we decided to take the plunge. ( pun completely intended )
antipasto and dahlias
In Italy, forno = bakery!
In short, we had a fabulous adventure! One of our most memorable days was on the island of Sicily. When the day starts early in a Taormina forno that is serving fresh from the oven brioche, you could really stop the story right here! To clarify, in Taormina, not only do you get to enjoy a mouthwatering brioche, but then they open it and put a scoop of gelato inside!!! BEST DAY EVER!!! I cannot tell you how decadent this treat was. What flavors of gelato you ask? Well that is easy: Garrett = chocolate, Maddie = hazlenut, and mom = limone. Taa Daa, the most perfect breakfast.
sicily is a mixture of yellow, blue, and green…
As we made our way down the street to the ancient and awe inspiring Greco Roman amphitheater, we quickly poked our heads in a few local shops. I guess I am always wearing my interior design hat wherever we go! We were lucky enough to be educated about the 3 paint pigments that are typically used in Sicilian pottery. Bright yellow to signify the hot sun, intense cobalt blue to mimic the startling blue water, and gorgeous green to represent the olive trees. I began to be entranced by all of the beautifully painted pottery.
I spy with my little eye…
We noticed a magnificent antipasto tray beautifully displayed in the shop window. Garrett and Maddie urged me to purchase it, but I could not imagine lugging all of those heavy pieces around for the rest of our trip. My intuitive children noticed a small sign posted that read “we ship anywhere.” In short, that is how we ended up with this gorgeous antipasto tray. It is a joy to plan a special something for each hand painted container.
antipasto – a great idea for your next party!
For this post, I decided on grilled asparagus, bruschetta, grilled eggplant and avocado, chocolate grapes, and an assortment of cheese and crackers. Break out of your regular routine and give an antipasto tray a try! It is a great idea for your next book club or progressive diner party. All of the food can be prepared ahead of time and served at room temperature, so that you can enjoy your guests. I was lucky enough to have a dear friend join me in my back yard. The dahlias were blooming, and so was our conversation! It is always fun to surprise your family and friends with the unexpected. You will never regret a carefully planned or impromptu eating party with your friends!
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