An Italian Antipasto
The final part of the Christmas Day story is the story of the Italian Antipasto (yes, I keep calling it “the Italian Antipasto”, I’m not sure what other Antipasto there is, but I like it, so roll with it, please). The Italian Antipasto that I have grown up with my entire life can easily be broken down into four categories – (1) deli cheeses, (2) deli meats, (3) pickled things, (4) other – everything needs an other category, right?
One of the hardest parts about this type of meal is trying to figure out exactly how much of each item you need to make sure that nobody will leave hungry. Over the past few years my mother (there she is again) has written down the quantity of each item that is needed to serve approximately 18 people. That’s what I wanted to share with you today. Please note: This is the quantity to serve 18 people knowing that you will have a full pasta course after this – although, I have to tell you, I usually end up pretty full by the end of this course.
Deli Cheeses
1 lb. swiss cheese
1 lb. provolone cheese
3/4- lb. american cheese
Deli Meats
3/4-lb. salami
1/3-lb. pepperoni
1 lb. pepper ham
1/3-lb. prosciutto
1/2-lb. capicola
1 lb. regular ham
Pickled Items
12 oz. jar roasted peppers
12 oz. jar marinated eggplant
4 oz. jar anchovies
16 oz. jar marinated mushrooms
12 oz. marinated artichoke hearts
12 oz. jar marinated asparagus
Be prepared to put some of these things back in the jar when you’re done.
Other
fresh mozzarella, basil & tomato
hard boiled or deviled eggs
hot stuffed peppers
So how do you eat all of this? Well, first you need to get yourself a 12-foot island in the middle of the kitchen. Then your sister wakes up extra early to lay everything out prettily on the trays. Then you set up a buffet. My family told me I wasn’t allowed to use pictures of them on my blog, so I decided that this was a good compromise.
Looking for more insight into Italian American holiday meals? Check out my Italian-American Christmas Eve: The Seven Fishes post.
