by Judy Gilliard

I have such fun each month coming up with the theme for my monthly dinner party. This month I’m going to focus on Italy simply because of their flair for flavor.

My memories of visiting Italy are filled with long lunches of great Italian food and wine, along with the gelatos you can get on the streets and eat while you walk around enjoying the Italian ambiance. One of my favorite musicians is Andrea Bocelli, and I can’t think of a better musical backdrop to help give that feeling of the romance of Italy. I was right; his music set the perfect mood.

I also love that we are now in daylight savings time (in most parts of the US), which means the evenings are longer and warmer. With that in mind, begin the evening on patio where you can offer Italian ice tea, which is made by mixing 1 part sweet Vermouth, with 4 parts ginger ale, and served over ice. This beverage was something new to me, but I found it to be the perfect refreshing beverage to serve when the weather is warm. This concoction was recommended to me by my friend Darrell Efferding, who always has a suggestion for wines and different cocktails that will stay within my price range. To accompany the tea, serve a large tray of antipasto using marinated vegetables, buffalo mozzarella, black and green olives, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and toasted Italian bread slices.

For the entr√©e, Emeril’s Favorite Veal Chops, which is served over arugula and Roma tomatoes, is adelight. Darrell recommended two great wines, under $15.00 a bottle. Falesco Vitiano, from the Umbira region in the middle of Italy, is a blend equal amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese grapes.

Dessert is a refreshing mascarpone gelato with balsamic-macerated strawberries. The mixture can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Then right before dinner, put the mixture in the ice cream maker to churn while you dine. You can also prepare this recipe in advance in the ice cream maker than transfer to a covered bowl and hold in the freezer this will create a firmer texture.

With dessert, we had Kris Pinot Grigio from the North-Northeastregion of Italy, which is one of the oldest growing regions in all of Europe. It is very clean and refreshing on the palate, with a hint of honey—perfect!

After dinner we had espresso and Italian cookies while we watched “Under the Tuscan Sun” with Diane Lane.

My Favorite Veal Chops

Mascarpone Gelato with Balsamic-Macerated Strawberries

Filed Under: Food Talk