Italian party ideas?

[BunnyD]

Hello all! I'm throwing my sister an Italian-themed bridal shower - like a rustic Tuscany feel. She's also on Atkins as well, so I'd like to have a good amount of LC option there. I know I could probably use LC bread and pasta for dishes, but I want to keep the frankenfoods down to a minimum. Any suggestions for foods/desserts I could have that LC friendly? I'm already thinking of doing an anti-pasto platter, but I'm kind of stuck after that. Thanks!

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Italian party ideas?

Is Tiramisu Italian? There's a recipe around here somewhere for that. Barb posted it.

[not2late]

Re: Italian party ideas?

Here's a nugget from

Lydia Bastianich's book Lydia’s Family Table p235

Recently at a food conference were I was speaking, I was asked the question "What is missing on Italian menues in America?" I did not have to think for a minute—it’s vegetables. Everyone is into pasta, risottos, and polenta, and vegetables are relegated to a secondary role, if they have any role at all….

Italy would need to double the amount of meat and fish for their main courses if vegetables were not served alongside."

pg.17

An Italian meal is like a symphony. The first movement is antipasto-an array of vegetables, cured fish, meats, and cheeses, not an overload but just a tease to the sense. The second movement could either be some soup or pasta—tre forchettate, three forkfuls, as it is customary to say. The next movement is the main course, about a third part proteins accompanied by contorni, mostly of vegetables. The closing is rarely an intricate dessert but, rather, a delightfully ripened fruit and/or a chunk of cheese.

So it really depends on if you want to be Italian-Italian or do the stereotypic "Italian-pasta focused" meal. If you do it the way Lydia has outlined, the meal will be naturally low(er) carb.

[Miss Phode]

Re: Italian party ideas?

Ensalada Caprese

Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh Mozarella
Red Onion
Balsamic Vinegar
Olive Oil
Fresh Basil
Salt and Pepper

Slice Tomatos, mozarella, and onion. Onion should be sliced very thinly. Alternate tomato, mozarella, and onion on a platter, chop basil and sprinkle on top, drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

[IhateMyFat]

Re: Italian party ideas?

Pitted green or black olives (fresh is best)
garlic
olive oil
fresh lemon juice
salt

blend all ingredients to a paste, its that simple! You can use it as a dip or serve on toasted bread!

[changing]

Re: Italian party ideas?

An local Italian restaurant serves chicken wings that are just AMAZING. Here's a recipe that I found on the net that comes out just like the ones in the restaurant! They are fantastic:





Italian Style Chicken Wings

2 1/2 pounds chicken wings
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
radicchio leaves
curly parsley

Cut wings at each joint; discard tips. Place other joints in shallow baking pan; sprinkle with olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley flakes, Parmigiano cheese, salt and pepper.

Place in 350 F. oven for about 45 minutes.

Remove from oven, pour vinegar over chicken and place under broiler about 4 minutes on each side.

Garnish serving platter with radicchio and parsley. Makes about 24 drummettes.