Variety! It’s the spice of life, or so they say. So much to see and do in this world, so little time, and many times, so few opportunities for real exploration.
However, when we lived overseas, we got to experience MANY wonderful things. The architecture, the history, the landscape, the culture–oh, and did I mention the food and drink? Let me say that all of our adventures while living across a pond always included the local food and beverage of choice. Wandering the streets of Paris? Baguette and red wine in hand. Strolling the antique markets in Belgium? A great steak (yes, Belgium is apparently known for steak) and a local Beligan beer. Hiking in the shadow of the Alps in Innsbruck on a winter day? Grab a strudel and a gluhwein. What about overlooking the caldera on Santorini? A crisp, white wine with fresh seafood drizzled with beautiful local olive oil.
OK, yes, I’m bragging a bit. But if we’re going to be yanked up by our roots and transplanted at the whim of the military, by god, we’d best get something good out of it! Of all of the wonderful places we’ve been, I think my favorite local food and drink custom has to be that of an afternoon in Tuscany, stumbling across a little outdoor tratorria, and settling down for a glass of Chianti and an antipasti platter to refuel for another stroll of the streets of Florence. Yeah, it basically doesn’t suck.
But I can’t always jump on a plane and head off to the beautiful places in my memory. So when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic for living in a location that afforded us those great experiences, I find myself searching the aisles of the grocery store to help create a time machine on a plate. A little cheese, a little meat, some arugula, crusty bread, really good olive oil, and did I mention great wine? And suddenly, the perfect light meal is upon you. Buon Appetito!
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 2-4 people | 10 minutes |
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What I love most about the idea of an antipasti platter (which is just Italian for snack plate) is that you can add to it whatever you might have on hand. Have salami instead of prosciutto? Fine! Don't have fresh burrata, but have little mozzarella balls? No problem! That random jar of artichoke hearts hiding in your pantry! Perfect! The chance to lounge, sip, and nosh with some friends is the perfect afternoon. And no matter the weather, you can enjoy being transported to warmer climes and exotic landscapes. Mangia!
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- 1 8 oz. sleeve sopprasetta or other Italian salami
- 1 8 oz. container ciliegine (small mozzarella balls)
- 1 12 oz. bag of washed baby arugula
- 1 8 oz. container cherry tomatoes
- 1 loaf crusty Italian bread, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (use that really nice bottle you got as a gift!)
- 1/2 tsp. finishing salt or sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
- Open bottle of Chianti or other medium-bodied Italian red wine; allow to breath for at least 30 minutes, or decant it if you plan on drinking it all as you lounge with friends.
- Arrange all of the ingredients through the bread on a platter or other serving board.
- Drizzle everything on the platter with the olive oil. Sprinkle the salt & pepper on the platter as well.
- Combine any of the ingredients on a piece of bread and enjoy! Savor with a glass of wonderful Chianti.
Seriously, it really is that simple. You will be amazed at not only how easy and delicious this platter can be, but the endless possibilities of ingredients is the really fun part. Other items to add include:
1. Olives--the good ones, not the cocktail ones out of a jar. Mix it up to include green, black, or other varieties.
2. Artichoke hearts--I really love using the ones that have been marinated in good olive oil and spices. They are soft, creamy, and are a great counterpoint to the meats and cheeses on the platter.
3. Roasted red peppers--again, the ones that have been marinating in a jar of olive oil are fantastic here. They provide a nice, peppery punch to any bite.
4. Cheese--you don't have to stick to mozzarella here. Experiment with other soft cheeses, like burrata (my absolute favorite), and with Italian hard cheeses that you may not have tried before. Ask the folks at the local cheese counter in the deli section of your grocery store to steer you toward something new and delicious, like a taleggio, or a wedge of parmesan (flake off pieces instead of shredding or grating it).
5. Meats--once again, you don't have to stick only with prosciutto or salamis. We often grill up spicy Italian sausages and slice them for a quick bite. Or go for mortadella (like Italian bologna, but much better than what you know as bologna!), spicy coppa ham or a dried bresaola.
6. Mixed nuts--nuts of all kinds go great with an antipasti platter. The difference in textures, nuttiness, and various oils that come with different varieties make a fantastic compliment to the meats, cheeses, and other items. I am a huge fan of pecans, but walnuts and almonds are great additions as well.
7. Condiments--mustards, mostardas, jellies and other fruits are perfect for a platter like this. Mix and match with every bite, and delight your taste buds with the varied textures and flavors.
8. Wine!--did you think I'd forget this part? Please! I love Chianti for this type of nosh. One of my favorites is Viticchio Chianti Classico Riserva. If you can't find this one, ask your local wine shop for a recommendation. The tannins in this one are light, and the nature of the wine is a perfect pairing for anything you would want to put on an antipasti platter. Or for sitting outside looking at a beautiful vineyard. Or sitting on your couch in your sweatpants. Really, it's that good. Decant or let breathe for best results.
I could go on and on here (in fact, I have). So tell me, what delicious items would YOU add to your platter-of-choice?
I’d be bragging, too – that is definitely my idea of good livin’! I could make a meal out of a good platter like this.
I DO make a meal out of this! Ha! Just one of my favorites. 🙂
cheese, cold cuts, bread and wine I’m in!
This is the perfect plate for pairing wine or cocktails a winner on my list =)
I LOVE antipasti platters! Although I really enjoy cheese plates too 🙂 Europe is amazing, isnt it? I’d go back as often as possible, if we too werent plucked up by the military and dropped off across the globe!
Ain’t military life grand? LOL
I always tell my husband that I hope the Army sends us overseas and he always says, “Never gonna happen.” Gahhh. I get so jealous of my friends stationed in Germany who travel around Europe on the weekends!
This looks absolutely scrumptious and I’m definitely craving cheese now.
We were so lucky to be stationed there. Of course, the culture shock was moving from there to TX. Ack! Talk about a surprise!
You definitely can’t go wrong with good bread, good meats and cheeses! Your antipasti platter looks divine. I can smell the warm air now. 🙂
And as you can see, I have that dish a LOT! Like you said, you really can’t go wrong. It’s one of our favorite “no plans/no problem” dinners!