Tag Archives: antipasto

Fennel bites with almond and cheese crust

September 11, 2013

There are four huge almond trees in the garden, and they provide us with an abundance of almonds. Beginning at the end of August into the first weeks of September this is the time to harvest. The following recipe is for a popular snack served Under the Almond Trees that includes ingredients that I could solely live on for a long time. Fennel, almonds, oregano and cheese! Treat yourself, family and friends by trying this simple recipe serve with a nice glass of red.

Fennel with almond and cheese crust
8-10 bites

Ingredients
1 pound (450 grams) fennel bulb slices
1/2 cup (1,2 dl) raw almonds
9 (oz) 250 gram of cheese that melts and browns well, I used a 50/50 combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
Olive oil to saute fennel
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon of Origano di Pantelleria (dried oregano)

Method
Set the oven at broil 530 F degrees (275 C).
Rinse and clean the fennel, cut slices about 0.3 inches (0.75 cm) thick.
In a saucepan saute the fennel in olive oil, salt and pepper.
They are cooked enough when the slices softens and produces a slightly golden.
Since the pieces will be different in size, they will have different cooking time, pay attention to remove the smaller pieces from the pan first.

Coarsely chop the almonds, in a bowl grate the cheeses and combine together with the almonds. Arrange fennel pieces on the baking sheet, give the portions enough space on the tray cover with cheese and almond mixture then into the oven fennel portions. Place baking pan in the oven 3/4 of the way not quite directly under the broiler in the oven for about 3-5 minutes. When golden brown remove tray from oven and sprinkle oregano on top allow to cool slightly to let the cheese set before serving.

Gorgonzola filled figs

August 30, 2013

Figs are at their best at this moment! I picked them early in the morning and served some under almond tree the other evening, the fig variety is named Ottata and at the moment you can see them all over the island of Pantelleria. This recipe is a great starter or serve it as a part of an antipasto.
Happy weekend everyone!

Gorgonzola filled figs
Serves 6

Ingredients
12 figs
7 oz (200 gram) of Gorgonzola cheese
12 walnuts
12 large slices of Prosciutto crudo

Method
If you want to use a piping bag for the cheese, remove the cheese from the fridge a good hour prior as to let it to soften, then it’s easier to handle in the piping bag.
In a sauce pan over medium heat dry toast the walnuts gently.
Cut a cross on the top of the figs, spoon or pipe the figs with the Gorgonzola.
Wrap each fig with a slice of prosciutto and top with a walnut.
Arrange on a nice platter serve immediately or place in the fridge and serve when you desiree

Insalata di Polpo, Octopus salad

July 28, 2013

Carlo is always fishing, at this moment Octopus is abundant and he catches a lot. Antipasto served at the bar under the almond trees you will find this delicious octopus salad.

Insalata di Polpo
Serves 8 antipasto plates
Ingredients:
1 1/3 pds (600 grams) octopus (preferably fresh)
2 cloves of garlic
2 cups (473 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cups (473 ml) lemon juice
1 bunch flat-leaf parsley
1 fresh green chili pepper
1 pinch of sea salt
1 carrot (peeled)
2 celery stalks (peeled)
1 lemon (zest removed and juiced)

Marinade:
Place the Extra Virgin Olive Oil into a large bowl and add the following.
Minced and pasted garlic with sea salt, finely chop the green chili, lemon minced zest of lemon and salt.
Wash, peel, and cut the stalks of celery and carrots into uniform small pieces and add to oil mixture

I a large sauce pan filled 3/4 in volume with water. Cover with a lid and turn on high heat and bring to a boil.
Rinse the Octopus and if you want, clean out the head and eyes.
When the water is boiling, insert a fork in your head and dip the Octopus in and out of the water allowing the tentacles to curl upward. When you see this has occurred emerge the Octopus into the water and let simmer at medium heat for 25-30 minutes.
The Octopus texture is chewy, so if you boil it for a few minutes too long it wouldn’t make a difference.

Let octopus cool and cut into bite sized pieces.
Mix the Octopus into the bowl of marinade, taste and adjust if you need more salt.
Let the salad to stand and marinate for a few hours but if you don’t have this time, it will becomes delicious nonetheless.

Just before serving, chopped the parsley and mix it in.