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I Am Looking For A Recipe For Antipasto - Antipasto
Antipasto means "before the pasta". At an Italian dinner, the antipasti are the appetizers --- sometimes specific dishes, and sometimes just a bit of this-and-that to nibble on before the main course. The purpose of the antipasto is to take the edge off our hunger and soothe our senses so that we can appreciate the food which comes after, but this doesn't mean that a well-prepared appetizer can't be delicious as well.
Eat slowly and enjoy. Italians don’t “wolf” their food. They eat their main meal slowly over several small courses, ideally with much conversation and laughter.
Here are just a few of the Health benefits of the ingredients used in Italian Antipasto Recipes:
Olives are concentrated in monounsaturated fats and a good source of vitamin E. Because monounsaturated fats are less easily damaged than polyunsaturated fats, it's good to have some in our cells' outer membranes and other cell structures that contain fats, such as the membranes that surround the cell's DNA and each of its energy-producing mitochondria. The stability of monounsaturated fats translates into a protective effect on the cell that, especially when combined with the antioxidant protection offered by vitamin E, can lower the risk of damage and inflammation. In addition to vitamin E, olives contain a variety of beneficial active phytonutrient compounds including polyphenols and flavonoids, which also appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Research is now slowly proving that there is a high likelihood that the consumption of tomatoes and tomato based products actually may prevent serum lipid oxidation and reduce the risk of macular degenerative disease.
Hot peppers' fire comes from capsaicin, which acts on pain receptors, not taste buds, in our mouths. Capsaicin predominates in the white membranes of peppers, imparting its "heat" to seeds as well. The capsaicin in hot peppers has been shown to decrease blood cholesterol and triglycerides, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers. It used to be thought that hot peppers aggravated ulcers. Instead, they may help kill bacteria in the stomach that can lead to ulcers.
BRUSCHETTA CLASSICA
Grilled Garlic and Oregano Bread
Italians know the magic of a simple slice of crusty bread dressed with salt, oregano and good olive oil. It makes a good appetizer or snack between meals. Bruschetta definitely is the base of all “garlic breads” and the canapés. The main ingredient is the extra-virgin olive oil.
Ingredients
Smoked SalmonSMOKED SALMON Smoked Salmon with Wine and Lemon Ingredients 12 oz sliced ..... 4 slices of thick-crusted Italian country bread,
approximately 3/8 inch (1 cm) thick
(you may substitute with baguettes cut slices on diagonal)
1 clove of garlic, peeled
whole small dry red peppers, spicy (optional)
extra-virgin olive oil
dry oregano
salt
Preheat an oven, broiler, stovetop grill or barbeque grill. Grill the bread on both sides until golden brown. (Pay close attention to the grilling as the bread will brown very quickly and you don’t want it to burn).
Antipasto ClassicoANTIPASTO CLASSICO The beauty of this dish is that no cooking is involved. You are assembling prepared ..... Lightly rub the garlic on the surface of the bread.
If you like, you may also lightly rub the red pepper over the bread.
Using a pastry brush, thinly coat the grilled bread with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and dry oregano.
Serve while still warm.
Serves 4
Preparation and Cooking Time: 5 minutes
about the author: Rosemary Gullo
Rosemary Gullo is the author of Healthy Italian Cooking.
Healthy Italian Cooking is packed with dozens of tasty recipes and is Easy to Use. Each section takes you step by step through a new meal for your family. It is full of tips, tricks and secrets that will not only show you how to cook healthy Italian food, but will also cut down on cooking time and make dinner preparation simple.
http://www.HealthyItalianCooking.com
I Am Looking For A Recipe For Antipasto - Simple Italian Antipasto Recipes
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