Aperitivo Delight

Ingredients

• 100g (3.5oz) prosciutto 100g (3.5oz) prosciutto
• 100g (3.5oz) salami 100g (3.5oz) salami
• 100g (3.5oz) aged Parmesan cheese 100g (3.5oz) aged Parmesan cheese
• 100g (3.5oz) fresh mozzarella 100g (3.5oz) fresh mozzarella
• 1 cup (150g) mixed olives 1 cup (150g) mixed olives
• 4 slices of crusty Italian bread 4 slices of crusty Italian bread
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 25g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Arrange the prosciutto, salami, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and olives on a serving platter.
3. 3.
   Toast the slices of Italian bread in the preheated oven until golden brown.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make a bruschetta topping.
5. 5.
   Remove the toasted bread from the oven and rub each slice with a garlic clove.
6. 6.
   Spoon the bruschetta topping onto the bread slices.
7. 7.
   Garnish the platter with fresh basil leaves.
8. 8.
   Serve the Aperitivo Delight alongside your favorite Italian aperitifs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Prosciutto — For the best flavor, choose high-quality prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele. It should be thinly sliced and melt in your mouth.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for aged Parmesan cheese for a more intense and nutty flavor. Grate it just before serving to preserve its freshness.
• Bruschetta — Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the bruschetta topping. Let the flavors meld together by allowing the mixture to sit for a few minutes before spooning it onto the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different types of cured meats such as coppa or bresaola to add variety to your Aperitivo Delight.
• Enhance the flavors by drizzling a balsamic glaze over the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the cured meats with marinated artichoke hearts and roasted bell peppers.
• Serve the Aperitivo Delight with a selection of Italian wines, such as Prosecco or Chianti, to elevate the experience.
• Customize the bruschetta topping by adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.

Serving advice

Arrange the Aperitivo Delight ingredients on a large wooden platter, allowing guests to create their own combinations. Encourage them to pair the cured meats and cheeses with different types of olives and bruschetta. Serve with a basket of warm Italian bread on the side.

Presentation advice

Create an inviting display by arranging the ingredients in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Use small bowls or ramekins for the olives and bruschetta topping. Garnish the platter with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Consider adding a rustic touch by placing a sprig of rosemary or thyme on the serving platter.