Venice This Weekend
w i t h o u t l e a v i n g h o m e

A big part of every evening in Venice begins with an
elaborate array of appetizer size portions served on
small plates, like tapas or as the Venetians call it
cicchetti (chi-KEH-tee).
This style of entertaining is such a pleasant way to enjoy
an evening with family and friends. In place of the typical
‘big roast’ dinner party, it’s easy to put together a last
minute ‘cicchetti’ menu which can be prepared ahead of
serving. Many of the food items are probably available
right in your own pantry or refrigerator. Serve buffet style.
Venetian Cicchetti Menu
• Deep-fried mozzarella cheese, Gorgonzola, calamari,
artichoke hearts and anything that can be put on a
toothpick.
•Crostini (little toasts) is also popular, as are marinated
seafood, olives and prosciutto with melon.
• Meat and fish bites are ideal and with grapes, figs and fennel for a perfect mix.
• Bite size meatballs, hard boiled eggs with anchovies, fried vegetables
• More traditional items can include; moscardini (tiny octopus) with polenta, soppressa and
toasted bread with creamed cod, and sardines cooked and marinated with onions and vinegar,
flavored with raisins and pine nuts.
Drink
Wine is the drink of choice. Serve your ‘house’ red or
white wine (ombra rosso or ombra bianco) or a small
beer (birrino). Pour traditional Venetian favorites such
as a Spritz, a refreshing Venice cocktail of prosecco,
(Italian sparkling wine) soda and Campari or Aperol
bitters.
Dessert
Wrap up the evening by
serving sgroppino
(lemon sorbet, prosecco
with a splash of vodka)
or a small glass of
Grappa. Top with a
typical Venetian sweet
such as zaeti, a biscuit prepared with polenta flour and raisins or
bussolai buranelli, butter biscuits made in a round shape that are
wonderful when dunked in sweet Vin Santo.
Visit georgehirschlifestyle.com for additional recipes including the
Sgroppino Recipe.
georgehirschlifestyle.com
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