{"id":6724,"date":"2017-12-13T11:31:17","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T11:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/?p=6724"},"modified":"2017-12-13T13:19:29","modified_gmt":"2017-12-13T13:19:29","slug":"three-perfect-italian-christmas-menu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/?p=6724","title":{"rendered":"Three Perfect Italian Christmas Menu"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are looking for Italian Christmas dinner ideas, look no further! I have put together my three different Christmas menus that offer a variety of age-old traditions, as well as innovation!<\/p>\n

What do Italians eat for\u00a0Christmas?<\/p>\n

The list of traditional dishes is huge because the regional diversity enhances\u00a0Italian gastronomy richness.\u00a0<\/span>For this reason, there\u2019s no dish in particular that can be found on every single Italian Christmas table. Each region has its own traditional dish and the cuisine reflects the characteristics and flavours of the local environment. The only thing that Italians everywhere have in common is that festivity itself always brings Italian families together to feast around a well-laden table. However, there\u00a0are few similarities throughout the whole Italy. For example, the first course of broth with “tortellini”, pasta or lasagne followed by a main dish of meat or fish followed by desserts.<\/p>\n

Here are some ideas to make three Christmas Menus using some of my favourite festive recipes:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Traditional Christmas Menu, based on meat,<\/li>\n
  2. Christmas menu based on fish.<\/li>\n
  3. Vegetarian Christmas Menu.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1) Traditional Christmas Menu<\/h1>\n

    APPETIZER:<\/strong>\u00a0Savoury Mini-Cheesecakes with Olives<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Savoury Mini-Cheesecakes with Olives<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    You can start with these delicious and fresh savoury\u00a0mini-cheesecakes. Perfect for a brunch, appetizer or a side dish for salad or soup.<\/p>\n

    I added ham and\u00a0Pitted Rosate Olives<\/a>, to obtain a unique flavour! If you are on a gluten-free diet you can replace the base of\u00a0\u00a0Tarallini\u00a0<\/a>for Gluten-Free Cracker.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    STARTER\/PASTA DISH:<\/strong>\u00a0Traditional Bolognese Lasagne<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    \u00a0Traditional Bolognese Lasagne<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    Bolognese Lasagne is a worldwide renown Italian dish from the northern region of Emilia Romagna. It is a symbol of the Italian culture. For many families all over Italy, it is a must-have dish for special celebrations and a Christmas day tradition!<\/p>\n

    MAIN DISH:<\/strong>Artichokes Pork Loin Roulades with Balsamic Vinegar<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Artichokes Pork Loin Roulades with Balsamic Vinegar<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    This is one of my go-to recipes at this time of the year.\u00a0You\u2019ll love the rich flavour and firm texture of Pork Loin Roulades with\u00a0<\/span>artichokes! For this recipe, I used our\u00a0Grandmother\u2019s\u00a0Recipe artichokes<\/a>\u00a0that are flavorful and tender.\u00a0If you are looking for a true taste of perfection add some authentic\u00a0Balsamic Vinegar of Modena<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    SIDE DISH:\u00a0<\/strong>Crunchy Roasted Vegetables with Garlic and Paprika<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Crunchy Roasted Vegetables with Garlic and Paprika<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    The genius of this recipe is in its simplicity! It is one of my favourite ones because it is delicious, healthy and it represents the perfect side dish for almost any plate!<\/p>\n

    There are 3 ingredients that you cannot forget to make it super tasty: bread crumbs, Garlic Pat\u00e8<\/a>\u00a0and paprika!<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    2) Fish Christmas Menu<\/h1>\n

    APPETIZER:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cPolentine\u201d snacks with Seafood Salad<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/a>
    Stuffed Courgette Flowers with Balsamic Vinegar \u201cSaporoso\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    This is a very special and traditional Italian recipe: \u201c<\/strong>Polentine\u201d<\/strong>!\u00a0I made mine with different flavours including a jar of\u00a0<\/span>Seafood Salad<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>Artichoke Pat\u00e8<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Asparagus Pat\u00e8<\/a>\u00a0for a smooth and creamy texture.<\/span><\/p>\n

    They do not contain gluten or dairy products and you can add any of your favourite\u00a0ingredients on top.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    STARTER\/PASTA DISH:\u00a0<\/strong>Orecchiette with Artichokes Pat\u00e8 and Shrimps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Stuffed Courgette Flowers with Balsamic Vinegar \u201cSaporoso\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    Here\u2019s a delicious pasta recipe made with\u00a0orecchiette.<\/a>\u00a0For the sauce, we are going to match\u00a0the intense taste of our\u00a0artichokes pat\u00e9<\/a>\u00a0with the salty flavour of shrimps. This dish is delicious either warm or as a cold pasta salad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    MAIN DISH:\u00a0<\/strong>Cod crusted in Aubergines, with Sweet Pepper Sauce and Balsamic \u201cPrelibato\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Stuffed Courgette Flowers with Balsamic Vinegar \u201cSaporoso\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    A delicious cod recipe with aubergines, a vegetable that matches perfectly with the delicate taste of cod. You can try this recipe with a sauce of sweet peppers, made with a jar of\u00a0Peppers Strips<\/a>.
    The delicate aroma of this recipe is achieved by adding few drops of \u00a0    White Balsamic Vinegar \u201cPrelibato\u201d<\/a>, a\u00a0<\/span>wonderful condiment for fish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    SIDE DISH:\u00a0<\/strong>Stuffed Courgette Flowers with Balsamic Vinegar \u201cSaporoso\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Stuffed Courgette Flowers with Balsamic Vinegar \u201cSaporoso\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    Everyone loves courgette flowers! They are nice and delicate.. Have you ever tried them stuffed??<\/p>\n

    If you want to enhance the flavour even more, just add few drops of Balsamic Vinegar \u201cSaporoso\u201d<\/a>!<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    3) Vegetarian Christmas Menu<\/h1>\n

    APPETIZER:\u00a0<\/strong>Courgette Parmigiana Flowe<\/strong>r <\/strong>Mini Rolls<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Courgette Parmigiana Flowe<\/strong>r <\/strong>Mini Rolls<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    A healthy and light recipe, which is at the same time delicious and tasteful, mostly if eaten warm! With a spicy touch thanks to our\u00a0Sundried Tomatoes Pat\u00e8<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    STARTER\/PASTA DISH:\u00a0<\/strong>Ricotta Cheese and Spinach \u201cLumaconi\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Ricotta Cheese and Spinach \u201cLumaconi\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \n

    This\u00a0\u201cLumaconi\u201d<\/a>\u00a0pasta dish is a traditional dish in Italy, with a yummy cheese and vegetable filling! These ingredients combined together in a vibrant chorus to please even the most finicky gourmand. Delicious both warm and cold. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    MAIN DISH:\u00a0<\/strong>Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Mozzarella<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Mozzarella<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \n

    A wonderful traditional recipe from the South of Italy… amazing sweet peppers filled with rice,\u00a0Sundried Tomatoes,\u00a0<\/a>Pitted Green, Rosate or\u00a0Black Olives<\/a>! When I made the original recipe, I added a few cubes of ham but you can just remove this ingredient to make a wonderful vegetarian dish!!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    SIDE DISH:\u00a0<\/strong>White \u201cAubergine Parmigiana\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    White \u201cAubergine Parmigiana\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \n

    A lighter version of the \u201cTraditional Aubergine Parmigiana\u201d which is probably one of the most popular Italian recipes in the world. The traditional version is original from Southern\u00a0Italy and It\u2019s a classic for any occasion, either summer or Christmas (follow the link Traditional Parmigiana di Melanzane<\/a>\u00a0on our blog). For my recipe, we are going to bake the aubergines instead of frying it. I will also add the authentic\u00a0Basil Pesto<\/a>\u00a0to make my white sauce instead of tomato sauce.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    DESSERTS\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
    Tiramisu<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\n

    A\u00a0popular coffee-flavoured Italian dessert. It is made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar and mascarpone cheese.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Tiramisu <\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
    Crostata<\/strong><\/a><\/h5>\n

    One of the most versatile desserts in Italy is the crostata. It\u2019s an open version of a pie, but crunchier and tastier. The crostata doesn\u2019t need expensive ingredients, just the usual ingredients for making pies or tarts. It looks good, smells good and tastes good. Try it!<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Crostata<\/strong><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    If you are looking for Italian Christmas dinner ideas, look no further! I have put together my three different Christmas menus that offer a variety of age-old traditions, as well as innovation! What do Italians eat for\u00a0Christmas? The list of traditional dishes is huge because the regional diversity enhances\u00a0Italian gastronomy richness.\u00a0For this reason, there\u2019s no […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":6776,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6724"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6724\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6777,"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6724\/revisions\/6777"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}