Creative ideas for Italian meats & cheeses?!
I have A LOT of this stuff. What can I do with it other than the typical antipasto platter or sandwiches? Any ideas?
Answers:
If you have a ton of the stuff and it is in its original packaging you might consider donating some of it to a local shelter or food bank
Here is a wonderful puff pastry appetizer that you can make for your friends and family. Great with cocktails
Ingredients
1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 pound favorite Italian meat, thinly sliced
1/2 pound smoked Provolone, sliced
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
Method
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan.
Lay 1 sheet of puff pastry on a floured board and carefully roll it out to 10 by 12 inches. Place it on a sheet pan and brush the center with the mustard, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Place a layer first of meat and then cheese, also leaving a 1-inch border. Brush the border with the egg wash.
Place the second sheet of puff pastry on the floured board and roll it out to 10 by 12inches. Place the second sheet on top of the filled pastry, lining up the edges. Cut the edges straight with a small, sharp knife and press together lightly. Brush the top with egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.
I know it's a sandwich, but make an Italian Hot Grinder (sub or hoagie) by getting really good rustic Italian bread, filling it with all the goodies, drizzling with oil & vinegar, wrapping up tightly in foil, and baking on a cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 12 - 15 minutes. The bread will be crusty, the cheese gooey, and the meats heated to perfection. You can also make this same sandwich as a Panini, which is to-die-for. Make the same way except don't wrap in foil...just press on a Panini grill for five minutes, and if you don't have a Panini grill, place in a pan and press down with a heavy book or brick wrapped in foil...
You can freeze these foods, too. Just make sure to wrap TIGHTLY and securely and squeeze out all the air. The sopressata is delicious, and I envy you with this food. Good luck!
melt the cheese in a crock or pan, then use it as a cheese fondue, and dip the meats into it...along with other veggies, bread, etc
Chopped up over dark salad greens, like and Italian chef's salad? Or chopped and added to minestrone soup and served with crostini?
Lucky you, btw!
That's the makings of a great stromboli!