Recipe help!

[SadieKate]

We've been invited to an Italian-themed potluck tomorrow for a friend's 3-year old birthday party. Dad told us (because I asked) the best thing would be to bring an appetizer/vegetable dish.

We don't cook Italian! What do we take? It's about a 90 min drive so cold or room temperature would be best. I've never been to their house so have no idea how easy it would be to reheat. I do have hot plates but that doesn't sound like a really good plan with children around.

I know you all with have some good ideas.

[snapdragen]

How about an Antipasto? Sliced cheese, veggies, salami, pepperocini........

[uk elephant]

How about some good foccacia? Excellent also served cold. Or just some good bread and cheese? Or some breadsticks? I'm a big fan of bread and cheese whatever the occasion....

Alternatively, bring some form of salad. Tomato and mozzarella sala for example. Fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and proper fresh buffalo mozzarella tossed together with a bit of salt and pepper and olive oil.

[mimitabby]

nobody said OLIVES?!?

and for after dinner, a favorite Italian repast is fruits and nuts.
serve nuts IN the shell, and folks sit around cracking nuts and talking.
It is a most wonderful way to spend time.

[suzieqtwa]

Im not sure whats its called...but you slice a tomato ,add a slice of fresh mozzeralla cheese , some Basil leaves , top with balsimic vinegar,and olive oil You can make it at the party if you want. EASY>>>and good

[Kimmyt]

I second the Antipasto platter... I had to bring an appy for Xmas last year and did this... stopped at a good cheese shoppe/charcuterie and everyone was happy!

I put out provolone, buffalo mozzarella, a variety of pepperonis/salami, and wrapped melon balls in prosciutt. I also had a small side tray of cheese-stuffed olives and roasted red peppers. It was a hit!

It didn't take much effort, though it can get kind of expensive depending on how crazy you go with the shopping!

[slinkedog]

Hey SK! You could also do a cold bruschetta. Toast the bread pieces and make the topping. Port to the party separately and then assemble when you get there.

I also like the idea of the tomato salad with the mozzarella and fresh basil. Just make sure you use fresh mozzarella, not the kind in plastic wrapping. Here's a link to a recipe I am planning on doing soon for heirloom tomato salad:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/re...s/views/235735

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Im not sure whats its called...but you slice a tomato ,add a slice of fresh mozzeralla cheese , some Basil leaves , top with balsimic vinegar,and olive oil You can make it at the party if you want. EASY>>>and good

Wow Suzie I make that all the time! It's the greatest thing to bring to parties! People just LOVE it. And yes you can make it quickly right there on a platter. (Just make sure you get soft FRESH mozz, not the aged kind.)

[mlove]

I'm not sure whats its called...but you slice a tomato ,add a slice of fresh mozzeralla cheese , some Basil leaves , top with balsimic vinegar,and olive oil You can make it at the party if you want. EASY>>>and good

This is Insalata Caprese.

[withm]

I have been making this every few weeks - it's really easy. If you use dried beans it needs salt.

Antipasto White Bean Salad

Four 15-ounce cans white beans, drained and rinsed,
(or 6 1/2 cups cooked white beans)
4 large stalks celery, cut into 1/4 - to 1/2 -inch cubes
4 ounces thin-sliced prosciutto, hard Italian salami and/or Italian ham,
cut into strips about 1/4 inch wide and 1 inch long
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
10 large basil leaves, cut into thin strips
Freshly ground black pepper

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, adding pepper to taste.
Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

Note:
To de-gas dried beans, put them in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil. Off heat. Add 2 or 3 Tablespoons baking soda (slowly, stirring; if you leave it on heat it will bubble over and make a huge mess). Cover the beans, let soak overnight or longer. Then, DRAIN (don't skip this step or you will be really, really uncomfortable) the beans, rinse, wash the pot. Put beans back in the pot with fresh water to cover, bring to a boil, cook till done. Great Northern Beans maybe 15 -20 minutes. Drain and proceed with your recipe. This works for de-gassing all types of beans, though some may need longer cooking time.