#BringtheHeat this summer to your party-scape with Mezzetta peppers!
Certain things, either for the sake of tradition, a melding of ‘moods,’ a happy accident of circumstance, or by some cosmic predestination of fate, are plainly meant to go to together.
From my own, admittedly biased point of view, balmy days and sunshine have always gone hand in hand with platters of mezes or tapas served seaside in the shade, or with a grand antipasto set in the center of a table. While there are certainly precious few things better in this human condition of ours than nursing an ouzo over an afternoon plate of squid, the true value of such plates is the mood they set. Alone, they lift soul, allowing the eyes to drift along the crests of the bay, watching one’s life peek and break along the waves cast by the summer breeze. With company, they conjure lazy conversation and drowsy smiles as the sun sets beneath the sea.
However, regardless of what’s on the plate, the most important ingredient in savoring a moment, in creating a profound and lasting memory out of an otherwise ‘ordinary’ instant, is simply the care behind both what’s on the plate and how it’s enjoyed. Drear and awkward staring can be transformed into a heartfelt exchange, even if it means finding the beauty in a sweetly unbroken silence, while an otherwise ordinary plate can become a crowning achievement as a late afternoon transforms into a starlit evening. For the heart guides the hand, el corazón guía la mano, and it is the hand that prepares the plate.
That was precisely what I was thinking as I was preparing our afternoon antipasto as the prelude to our weekend ‘staycation.’ Here, simplicity can be of the utmost value, and so I put together a classic combination of rolled salami, ham and provolone, along with slices of Asiago cheese. For an added dash of spice, I decorated the platter with spicy Mezzetta Banana Wax Peppers, and a few Mezzetta Jalapeno Peppers, though I used the ‘Tamed’ variety of the jalapenos so as not to overpower the platter.
For a bit color and savory sweetness, I set a small dish of the Mezzetta roasted red bell peppers on the platter, surrounded by Golden Greek Peperocini, which would meld perfectly with the overall flavor profile I was going for – rustic Mediterranean. Paired with a hardy loaf of ciabatta bread and spiced cucumbers, this would make for a perfect way to spend the sunset and kick off our weekend long ‘staycation.’
Before setting up the antipasto, however, I decided I needed to set up my porch for the occasion, as I wanted to pair not just the items on the platter and the mood, but also the setting and atmosphere as well. So, with my water bottle from the Mezzetta Survival Kit filled with my signature homemade iced tea to help beat the heat, I began decorating the porch with a few lanterns, set up the table to match, and laid out a range of seasonal plants that I had been tending for the past few weeks. Every touch and detail I set played into the feel of a seaside bistro, taberna junto al mar.
Once that was done, I assembled the antipasto, and we ate until the stars came out, a quintessential summer experience.
Mezzetta Summertime Antipasto
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. salami - sliced
- 1/2 lb. provolone - sliced
- 1/4 lb. Asiago cheese - sliced
- 1/4 lbs. Virginia ham - sliced
- 1 bunch radishes - left whole
- 1 bunch of grapes
- Celery leaves - to garnish platter
- 16 oz. Mezzetta Deli-sliced Golden Greek Peperocini
- 16 oz. Mezzetta Hot Banana Wax Peppers
- 16 oz. Mezzetta Roasted Red Bell Peppers
- 16 oz. Mezzetta Deli-sliced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers
Instructions
- Choose a large serving platter.
- Roll the salami and the provolone cheese; alternating while placing them on the platter.
- Roll and place the ham under the salami and the cheese. Place the Asiago cheese slices under the ham.
- Place the Mezzetta Peperoncini, Hot Banana Wax Peppers and Sliced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers around the salami and the cheeses. Place the Roasted Bell Peppers in a small bowl along with the Mezzetta Peperoncini.
- Place the radishes and grapes along the edge of the platter; alternating while placing them around the platter.
- Serve with Italian bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
On a side note, for the next three months Mezzetta will be giving away its signature Summer Survival Kits, with the Home/Staycation kit featured in June, the Beach kit in July, and Mountains/Camping kit in August. So be sure to enter for your chance to win. To go along with your summer survival kit, enter for a chance to win a $35 VISA giftcard as well. Good luck! And don't forget to enter our other giveaway!
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Angie@Angie's Recipes says
That's so beautifully plated, Catherine.
Renee says
What a beautiful antipasto plate!!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
This is SO perfect. Mezzetta Peppers have been a staple in our home since I was a little girl. I kid you not, my parents always tell a story about how I was eating (and loving) their hot chili peppers at TWO. Probably why I am such a chili head today 🙂 I am also an antipasto lover and this looks fantastic!
Juliaa says
This looks like it would be the perfect summer appetizer! I love Mexxetta's products--we eat a lot of them!
allie@Through Her Looking Glass says
Loving your porch seaside bistro Catherine! Gorgeous tray, great inspiration as always!
Birdiebee says
What a great summer appetizer plate. Everything looks so delicious. I am having people over for the 4th of July and I will be making up a plate like this for my guests.
Jerry E. Beuterbaugh says
The first time I remember ever having a genuine antipasto was at what I consider to be an awesome Italian restaurant not far from the Delaware Water Gap crossing in western New Jersey. It was built on what was the main road in the area before I-80 came to be, but the quality of the food and service keeps people coming by. It was there that I had my first manicotti dish, as well. be assured that it was such a joy to find somewhat hidden gems like that place when I had time to while I was out on the truck, and I sorely regret not finding more of them.
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine/Michael, That sure is a beautiful and delicious looking antipasto platter! My mouth is watering... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Beauty Follower says
Love that kind of pinch food!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr
NICOLE ROBERTS says
How awesome! My name is Nicole, and I'm one of the co-hosts for the Merry Monday linky party. I wanted to stop by and thanks for sharing this at Merry Monday's! Have a great week!
swathi says
Very nice, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop.
Tracy Robertson says
What a nice antipasto plate! The Mezzetta products sure bring back memories. I will remember to check for them the next time I grocery shop.
GiGi Eats says
This is one of my favorite brands EVER!!!
Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says
you would not believe how many of their products I have in my fridge! They're so great to have on hand for exactly this reason!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
This is so gorgeous!! Pinning!! I bet it would be so impressive at a party.
Julia says
Now that is a spread! I love love antipasto plates and could eat practically the whole thing myself. Mezzetta has so many great products!
Belinda says
Love the antipasto plate!