Beautiful Evenings Antipasto

- Antipasto Night
- Lasagna with Friends
- Opera Night
- Sicilian Picnic
- Tuscan Candlelight
- Wine Tasting

Twilight is the special time of day when life in Italy slows.

At long wooden tables everywhere, friends come together casually to share a glass of wine, plates of antipasto, and lively conversation. Yet you don’t have to live in Italy to enjoy such an evening. You can bring the heart of an Italian twilight into your own home with only a little effort. Imagine: a few beautiful twilight hours, a few relaxed guests around your own table, and delicious plates of antipasto.

In the Italian countryside, outdoor markets are a wonderful part of life.

You can get a taste of the experience by visiting a local farmer's market to buy the ingredients for your own Beautiful Evening's antipasto. Whether you're buying a fresh baguette, goat cheese, or Italian ham, you'll appreciate the moment. The same vendors usually appear each week, and--just like in Italy--enjoy talking with those who shop at their stand.

Just about anything can be antipasto.

Fresh rustic bread dipped in a small bowl of olive oil, roasted red peppers in balsamic vinegar, Tuscan white beans sautéed with red onion, grilled polenta with chopped fresh tomatoes, and--our favorite--sliced tomatoes with basil and mozzarella drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to ask your friends to bring their favorite small dish--everyone loves to share.

It's easy to enhance your evening. Here's how:

	Set a table outdoors.
	Garnish each small dish with an edible flower or fresh herbs.
	Pick your own flowers for the centerpiece.
	Open a bottle of Bella Sera Pinot Grigio.

Focaccia with Sautéed Mushrooms
Serves 2
	2T Olive oil 1/2 lb. Fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced 1/4 lb. Provolone cheese, sliced 20 Cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 Cup White wine 1T Fresh oregano 1 (8-inch) Square, focaccia bread 1 Handful, roughly chopped fresh basil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Heat oil in a skillet, over medium high heat.

Sauté mushrooms for 5 minutes, then add the white wine and fresh oregano.

Turn heat to high and cook until liquid disappears, then remove mushrooms from pan.

Spoon mushrooms and tomatoes on the focaccia bread, then top with a slice of provolone cheese.

Bake until cheese bubbles, about 8 minutes, then remove from oven, top with torn basil, cut the focaccia into squares, and serve.



	Invite your friends and family with our Bella Sera invitation. You can easily create your own invitation using any one of our lovely beautiful evening backgrounds.