The Caterist Files ~ Autumn in Italy, in 6 Courses

Jeani
Aug 30, 2016
4 min read

The formal Italian dinner is a feast in six courses! Meant for those special occasions, it's a myriad of flavors, textures and fun!! Come along with me as we explore the possibilities!

We've been focusing more, lately, on the lower end, very casual buffet type of Summer party in the last few editions of The Caterist Files. They are a lot of fun, as casual as they are; but, we do have need for those formal events as well!

This feast follows the traditional full blown Italian Festa, or Feast! It is completely formal and fully served, ever so suitable for the rehearsal or wedding dinner, or that utmost important 50th wedding anniversary! Or any occasion, really, where it's important to impress!

The formal Italian Dinner Party consists, traditionally, of six courses: Antipasti (Appetizer), Zuppa (Soup), Pasta (a simple pasta tasting), Ensalata (Salad...it cleanses the palate between the courses), Carne (the Meat course) and, lastly, Dolce (the Sweet Ending).

This event would, in my opinion, be best served with a Prosecco Bar (to stay traditional Italian). Or, if you'd rather, your favorite Champagne. And, if you have a bartender or host willing to tend, a highball bar would be in order, for the meet and greet hour. We can slip our Antipasti Course right in here, while our guests are mingling and conversing! Simple Italian antipasti are best for our Meet & Greet hour...ones that are one or two bite nibbles. Here are a few ideas:

Parmesan Crisps make a delightful bar appetizer! Crisp, salty and delicious, these are made by simply melting good quality Parmesan cheese to a nice bite sized snack!

These are set on the bar for 'while you wait' nibbles. You're welcome to bring in some mixed nuts or herbed nuts, to set up on the bar table, too. That's really, about all you'll need there, the rest would be best as passed hors d'oeuvres...

From left to right, top to bottom...Crostini with Goat Cheese, Fig Jam & Prosciutto...Crostini with Olive Tapenade...Italian Sausage Caprese Skewers...Antipasti Skewers...Italian Meatballs...Crab Stuffed Mushrooms...Onion Stuffed Mushrooms...I'm getting hungry!! And, you definitely don't need all of these! Just two, maybe three, as passed appetizers, would suffice. We do have 5 more courses to go!

Next on our dining itinerary is the Zuppa, or Soup Course! It's really one of my personal favorites! I do love a good soup! Guests will enjoy an 8 oz. serving of the soup of your choice...many to select from, and all so very delightful! I'll try not to miss any!

The Soups, left to right, top to bottom...Italian Roasted Red Bell & Tomato Soup...Chicken Gnocchi Soup...Italian Sausage & Kale Soup...Tortellini Soup...Italian Wedding Soup...Italian Lentil Soup.

The next course, on the traditional meal itinerary, is the Pasta Course. This is the one course where you could break away, and simply omit it, without the heavens coming crashing down, I suppose. But the Pasta course is just SO darned good!!! For the Festa, the Pasta course is done in small fashion, with a nice sized tasting portion.

Gnocchi are divine little pillows of potato dumplings that are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! The dressing up of the Gnocchi may take any turn of directions...pictured, left, Gnocchi with Crab in Parmesan Herbed Cream Sauce.

Below, Gnocchi in Bolognese Sauce with Fresh Parmesan.

The dish to the left is Risotto. Yes, I know...it's a rice dish in a pasta course. Trust me...it works here! Like the pasta tasting dishes, this is a small portion of heaven, that no one should miss out on!

I have several varieties of Risotto...shown is the Parmesan Asparagus Herb Risotto. Also available are Mushroom Artichoke Risotto, Cremini's & Peas Risotto, Risotto Florentine and Roasted Red Pepper Risotto.

Moving back to little pillows.....Tortellini are little, filled pasta pillows. Anymore, they can be found with a wide variety of fillings. With our house sauces, they create the perfect Pasta Course!

How about some big pillows? Not like 'huge', or anything...just nice, big Raviolo! 'Raviolo' is the singular of 'ravioli'...they're one big ravioli!

The Raviolo to the left is a Crab Stuffed Raviolo in Butter Sauce. To the right are Raviolo Florentine in Rustic Fresh Tomato Sauce with Parmesan. Other fillings are available! The plating size on the Pasta Course would be a single ravioli in its sauce...see! That's manageable!

The Cannelloni, seen above, are tubes of pasta, thinner than manicotti, but filled with similar manicotti filling, and served in an array of sauces...shown is a dish of Mushroom Florentine Cannelloni in Marinara. As the pasta is more delicate, it lends itself to lighter fillings.

You would select only one of the Pasta Course items for the Italian Festa. There is more to come!

After the saucy Pasta Course, we need to have a palate cleansing course...that would be the 'Ensalata' or Salad Course.

This Italian Chopped Salad fits the bill perfectly. It is a mix of crisp romaine, baby spinach, tomatoes, black olives, red onions, radish, mozzarella bits and Italian seasoned croutons. It may be served with your choice of dressings from Italian, Creamy Italian, Wine Vinaigrette or Gorgonzola Ranch.

Of course, if you would just prefer the simpler Caesar Salad, that's perfectly ok, too! There is still much to feast upon!

Next upon our Festa trail is the Carne Course! (that's the Meat!)

Yummm.

Classic Chicken Parmesan, finished in house marinara, on a small bed of butter herb pasta.

Braised Beef Ragu with Creamy White Polenta Parmesano.

Italian Rolled Pork Roast, Porchetta, we suggest serving over Polenta Parmesano. All of these Carne offerings are rich, delicious, and filling, as they should be, in any great Italian Festa!

Which brings us, lastly, to the Dolce, Sweet Course!! Italian Cannoli Love!!! Bravissimo!!!! Cannoli are deep fried pasta tubes, stuffed with a sweet orange zested and mini chocolate chip ricotta filling...they're drizzled with chocolate and garnished with nuts...oh, so memorably delicious!