Embrace the beginnings

Between 1880 and 1920 around four million Italians arrived in the US. Since the total population of Italy was only fourteen million this was some investment by a nation with much to offer. Of course there were hard times, Ellis Island was known as Isola della Lacrime, the Isle of Tears, but those early arrivals became known for their hard work and sobriety. The ‘Little Italys’ set up in major cities gradually expanded and prospered. Families merged into the mainstream and today two thirds of Italian Americans are successful in professions like medicine, education and the law, alongside more high profile stars of showbusiness, Hollywood and TV. Start your Christmas by raising a glass to those adventurous and tough ancestors who laid the foundations.

 

The Family

Even in the exaggerated gangster epics that Hollywood favours, there is one characteristic that rings true. This is the gathering, the whole family dining and sharing as one. Stories are told, old ones remembered, young ones celebrated. There is feasting and singing – it’s an Italian Christmas!

The toast

Has to be Buon Natale, Buona Salute. Toast each other with a fine, dry Prosecco. Or if you prefer a sweeter wine try Moscato d’Asti. For drinking throughout the meal select a Chianti, robust red wine from Tuscany. Go for a Classico. For many beer drinkers it has to be Perroni.

 

1st Course

 

Frugality is a quality early Italian immigrants needed to survive. So why not carry on the tradition – especially when you can combine it with a superb appetiser. That’s Crostini alle Olive Nere, otherwise known as the Poor Man’s Caviar. It combines zucchini with black olives. Blend together with hot pepper, capers and salt. Simply spread on baguette and serve.

 

 

 

2nd  – Pasta Fagioli with Panzerotti

 

Following the Roman Catholic tradition, Christmas Day would be non-meat occasion. This pasta is a simple peasant dish but all the tastier for that. Made with cannellini beans, and a base of olives, garlic, minced onion, spices, with tomatoes or tomato paste. In Sicily you would pronounce it vazul -  and cibo gustoso!

Panzerotti are pockets of pizza dough filled with tomatoes and mozzarella, then deep fried. Delicious just like that or you could add ham.

 

Main Course – Turkey Breasts flavoured with sun kissed oranges

If you are serving a meat dish here is a traditional turkey, coooked the Italian way. It serves six, takes just fifteen minutes to prepare, thirty minutes to cook.

Start with 1kg of turkey breast, cubed, three oranges, ten tablespoons of olive oil.

Squeeze two of the oranges and save the juice, then place the turkey together with oil and salt in a large saucepan of water. Add the juice and cook over a low flame until the meat is tender. Slice the third orange and use to garnish the meat.

Serve with a fresh arugula salad, tossed with olives, parmesan, extra virgin oil.

 

Fish Course

 

Many families prefer to stay with fish at Christmas, some may even have 12 courses for the 12 apostles. A few suggestions: lobster in red sauce, stuffed squid,

or calamari ripieni al gamberetti, minted striped bass, sole italienne.

Dessert

What could be more enjoyable than a Tiramisu. Ready made if want to relax by now, simply add thick cream. Or il panforte, gingerbread with hazelnuts, honey and almonds. Then Arametti to nibble, and Lavazza, Italy’s favourite coffee.

Finally – if you fancy a trip to plan your Italian Christmas in style, visit Leonardo Da Vinci schools in Rome and Milan from December 14 – 18.

How to enjoy an Italian Christmas

Our recipe begins with simple, familiar ingredients. Then mix in

laughter, love, and familiga. All will be well!

Embrace the beginnings

Between 1880 and 1920 around four million Italians arrived in the US. Since the total population of Italy was only fourteen million this was some investment by a nation with much to offer. Of course there were hard times, Ellis Island was known as Isola della Lacrime, the Isle of Tears, but those early arrivals became known for their hard work and sobriety. The ‘Little Italys’ set up in major cities gradually expanded and prospered. Families merged into the mainstream and today two thirds of Italian Americans are successful in professions like medicine, education and the law, alongside more high profile stars of showbusiness, Hollywood and TV. Start your Christmas by raising a glass to those adventurous and tough ancestors who laid the foundations.

 

The Family

Even in the exaggerated gangster epics that Hollywood favours, there is one characteristic that rings true. This is the gathering, the whole family dining and sharing as one. Stories are told, old ones remembered, young ones celebrated. There is feasting and singing – it’s an Italian Christmas!

The toast

Has to be Buon Natale, Buona Salute. Toast each other with a fine, dry Prosecco. Or if you prefer a sweeter wine try Moscato d’Asti. For drinking throughout the meal select a Chianti, robust red wine from Tuscany. Go for a Classico. For many beer drinkers it has to be Perroni.

 

1st Course

 

Frugality is a quality early Italian immigrants needed to survive. So why not carry on the tradition – especially when you can combine it with a superb appetiser. That’s Crostini alle Olive Nere, otherwise known as the Poor Man’s Caviar. It combines zucchini with black olives. Blend together with hot pepper, capers and salt. Simply spread on baguette and serve.

 

 

 

2nd  – Pasta Fagioli with Panzerotti

 

Following the Roman Catholic tradition, Christmas Day would be non-meat occasion. This pasta is a simple peasant dish but all the tastier for that. Made with cannellini beans, and a base of olives, garlic, minced onion, spices, with tomatoes or tomato paste. In Sicily you would pronounce it vazul -  and cibo gustoso!

Panzerotti are pockets of pizza dough filled with tomatoes and mozzarella, then deep fried. Delicious just like that or you could add ham.

 

Main Course – Turkey Breasts flavoured with sun kissed oranges

If you are serving a meat dish here is a traditional turkey, coooked the Italian way. It serves six, takes just fifteen minutes to prepare, thirty minutes to cook.

Start with 1kg of turkey breast, cubed, three oranges, ten tablespoons of olive oil.

Squeeze two of the oranges and save the juice, then place the turkey together with oil and salt in a large saucepan of water. Add the juice and cook over a low flame until the meat is tender. Slice the third orange and use to garnish the meat.

Serve with a fresh arugula salad, tossed with olives, parmesan, extra virgin oil.

 

Fish Course

 

Many families prefer to stay with fish at Christmas, some may even have 12 courses for the 12 apostles. A few suggestions: lobster in red sauce, stuffed squid,

or calamari ripieni al gamberetti, minted striped bass, sole italienne.

Dessert

What could be more enjoyable than a Tirimisu. Ready made if want to relax by now, simply add thick cream. Or il panforte, gingerbread with hazelnuts, honey and almonds. Then Arametti to nibble, and Lavazza, Italy’s favourite coffee.

Finally – if you fancy a trip to plan your Italian Christmas in style, visit Leonardo Da Vinci schools in Rome and Milan from December 14 – 18.

How to enjoy an Italian Christmas

Our recipe begins with simple, familiar ingredients. Then mix in

laughter, love, and familiga. All will be well!

Embrace the beginnings

Between 1880 and 1920 around four million Italians arrived in the US. Since the total population of Italy was only fourteen million this was some investment by a nation with much to offer. Of course there were hard times, Ellis Island was known as Isola della Lacrime, the Isle of Tears, but those early arrivals became known for their hard work and sobriety. The ‘Little Italys’ set up in major cities gradually expanded and prospered. Families merged into the mainstream and today two thirds of Italian Americans are successful in professions like medicine, education and the law, alongside more high profile stars of showbusiness, Hollywood and TV. Start your Christmas by raising a glass to those adventurous and tough ancestors who laid the foundations.

 

The Family

Even in the exaggerated gangster epics that Hollywood favours, there is one characteristic that rings true. This is the gathering, the whole family dining and sharing as one. Stories are told, old ones remembered, young ones celebrated. There is feasting and singing – it’s an Italian Christmas!

The toast

Has to be Buon Natale, Buona Salute. Toast each other with a fine, dry Prosecco. Or if you prefer a sweeter wine try Moscato d’Asti. For drinking throughout the meal select a Chianti, robust red wine from Tuscany. Go for a Classico. For many beer drinkers it has to be Perroni.

 

1st Course

 

Frugality is a quality early Italian immigrants needed to survive. So why not carry on the tradition – especially when you can combine it with a superb appetiser. That’s Crostini alle Olive Nere, otherwise known as the Poor Man’s Caviar. It combines zucchini with black olives. Blend together with hot pepper, capers and salt. Simply spread on baguette and serve.

 

 

 

2nd  – Pasta Fagioli with Panzerotti

 

Following the Roman Catholic tradition, Christmas Day would be non-meat occasion. This pasta is a simple peasant dish but all the tastier for that. Made with cannellini beans, and a base of olives, garlic, minced onion, spices, with tomatoes or tomato paste. In Sicily you would pronounce it vazul -  and cibo gustoso!

Panzerotti are pockets of pizza dough filled with tomatoes and mozzarella, then deep fried. Delicious just like that or you could add ham.

 

Main Course – Turkey Breasts flavoured with sun kissed oranges

If you are serving a meat dish here is a traditional turkey, coooked the Italian way. It serves six, takes just fifteen minutes to prepare, thirty minutes to cook.

Start with 1kg of turkey breast, cubed, three oranges, ten tablespoons of olive oil.

Squeeze two of the oranges and save the juice, then place the turkey together with oil and salt in a large saucepan of water. Add the juice and cook over a low flame until the meat is tender. Slice the third orange and use to garnish the meat.

Serve with a fresh arugula salad, tossed with olives, parmesan, extra virgin oil.

 

Fish Course

 

Many families prefer to stay with fish at Christmas, some may even have 12 courses for the 12 apostles. A few suggestions: lobster in red sauce, stuffed squid,

or calamari ripieni al gamberetti, minted striped bass, sole italienne.

Dessert

What could be more enjoyable than a Tirimisu. Ready made if want to relax by now, simply add thick cream. Or il panforte, gingerbread with hazelnuts, honey and almonds. Then Arametti to nibble, and Lavazza, Italy’s favourite coffee.

Finally – if you fancy a trip to plan your Italian Christmas in style, visit Leonardo Da Vinci schools in Rome and Milan from December 14 – 18.

v