Easy Italian
Appetizers to Elevate Your Summer Soiree
The Italians understand that easy, delicious snacks, S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Mineral Water, and great company all go hand-in-hand, which is why they’ve perfected the art of the pre-dinner aperitivo hour. Designed to bring people together and get their appetites (and the conversation) going, this early evening tradition is easy to pull off at home — if you have a few no-fuss appetizer recipes and drink pairings in your repertoire, of course.
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We asked chef and restaurateur Brooke Williamson to share her top aperitivo snacks — gathered along her extensive travels through Italy — along with S.Pellegrino® Essenza beverages to complement the light bites. Designed to enhance the food tasting experience and turn meals into stylish and delightful moments, Essenza combines the signature gentle bubbles of S.Pellegrino® with vibrant Mediterranean fruit flavors and contains zero calories or sweeteners. In other words, it embodies “La Dolce Vita,” which is the mood Williamson aims for when she’s entertaining. Here’s how she elevates everyday occasions and makes her guests feel like they’re gathering in an Italian villa.
Let Tomatoes Take Center Stage
“The beauty of summer is tomatoes," Williamson says. “Try sliced tomatoes or a tomato relish over some burrata cheese. Crostinis are always a great way to go because you can top them with anything. Then you can just put some sliced prosciutto or mortadella out, and some fruit-based mustards (try apricot or fig) as well as some quince paste.” To complement the rich, complex flavors of this appetizer spread, pour your guests some S.Pellegrino® Essenza Blood Orange & Black Raspberry; the fruity effervescence keeps your palate fresh and light.
Go For Seasonal Fruits
“In the summer I love to serve stone fruits like peaches or nectarines with a little olive oil and salt and pepper. You have to take advantage of the fruits that are available to you, seasonally,” Williamson says. S.Pellegrino® Essenza Lemon & Lemon Zest pairs perfectly with light, fruit-based dishes, thanks to its delicate flavor and refined bubbles.
Serve Seafood With Citrus
“Oysters are so easy. There are a lot of local seafood distributors who will sell to the public, and they're a lot of fun and interactive once you learn how to open them. People are always impressed when you do that in front of them. I’d serve those with S.Pellegrino® Essenza Lemon & Lemon Zest or Pink Grapefruit & Citrus. Those lighter, brighter flavors tend to go really well with seafood.”
Room-Temperature Snacks
Are an Easy Option
“I love serving marinated olives with some rosemary and olive oil and roasted garlic,” Williamson says. “And just a bowl of pistachios or mixed nuts can go so far. You can also grill some eggplant and marinate it with olive oil and lemon — there are so many options for foods that are best served at room temperature.” S.Pellegrino® Essenza Tangerine & Wild Strawberry brings some citrusy zest to balanced, medium-flavored dishes like cooked vegetables.
Set Up a Drink Station
“It’s important to always have a non-alcoholic beverage option available, and S.Pellegrino® Essenza is the perfect way to go. Keep a few chilled cans out so that people can grab their own drinks without needing to be served.”
Meatballs Are Always a Hit
“Meatballs and arancini both go great with S.Pellegrino® Essenza Dark Morello Cherry & Pomegranate. The intense fruit flavors work well with heavier appetizers.”
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