Italian menu Anniversary party ideas
Hi! Im doing an anniversary party with 2 other co-hosts and the food is Italian themed. Its a favorite of the couple, who also happen to be lactose intolerant:) Pills can be popped to help with that, but Id like to not have cheese overload. Im thinking a good authentic bolognese sauce and spaghetti, a good salad and homemade crusty bread. Any other ideas are welcome including thoughts on make ahead appetizers and dessert or cake flavors (the couple doesnt like chocolate as a primary flavor).
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6 Comments
1) Cheesecake. I know it's an American dessert. But Michael Noble of Diva at the Met (Vancouver) makes a great Stilton cheesecake with rhubarb compote. You could adapt it for you meal by using an Italian blue cheese. For the sauce, use rhubarb if available, or replace with berries.
2) block of aged Parmesan, served with a cheese plane and sweet wine. I was introduced to it with Vin Santo, but you could use Moscato d'Asti or another you like. Shave off a piece, pass the cheese plate round the table, and enjoy.
3) Italians often serve fresh fruit for dessert. Pick the best you see in the markets, small sizes, for people to eat out of hand or cut at table. If this seems to plain, serve some biscotti or savoiardi with the fruit,
Sorry, half forgot the lactose problem.
If you like the cheesecake idea, use a tofu or other non-dairy replacement for all the cream cheese and use only a few ounces of blue cheese for flavor.
Or dump both the cake and the Parmesan ideas.
Could also make a fancier fruit dessert - grilled fruits with a balsamic reduction or fruit compote with either red wine or liqueur.