Sicily is one of the most exquisite places in Italy.
With lovely Mediterranean beaches, as well as magnificent hills and mountain ranges, the island is awash in beauty. And when Sicily's special twilight falls, time seems to slow. People often gather together outdoors, picnic style, to share the day's events, a glass of wine, a fresh baguette. Everyone enjoys the delightful waning of the day. So why not host a Sicilian-inspired twilight picnic where you live? Here's how.
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Pack a few sturdy wine glasses in cotton napkins and place in your picnic basket. friends can use the napkins later, on their laps.
Bring real utensils-casual flatware-instead of plastic. And remember to find a large colorful blanket or tablecloth. You'll soon be spreading it out under a tree, near a creek-or in any outdoor area you find beautiful. |
Sicily-inspired picnic baskets are a great place for the unexpected.
So chill a bottle of Bella Sera Chardonnay the night before the picnic, then slip it into the basket when you're about to head outside. Add a book of photographs or a magazine about Italian life, too. You can flip through them together while enjoying the moment.
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Finger foods enhance any picnic. Here's what we suggest:
- 1/2 lb. Pecorino cheese, shaved.
- 1 soft pear, sliced.
- 1/2 lb. fresh grapes, on the vine.
- 1/4 lb. assorted Italian olives.
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Picnic Linguine with Eggplant and Tomato |
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1 Small globe eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 Cup Olive oil
2 Cups Chopped ripe tomatoes
4 oz. Goat cheese, softened to room temperature
2T Italian parsley, finely chopped
8 oz. Linguine, cooked and drained
Salt and pepper to taste |
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
With a small amount of the olive oil, grease a baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, toss eggplant cubes with the remaining amount of oil.
Spread cubes in one layer on the baking sheet, bake for 20 minutes (or until soft), then remove from oven.
In a large serving bowl, combine tomatoes, parsley, eggplant, salt and pepper, then toss the mixture with the cooked linguine.
Crumble the goat cheese on top.
Place in an air-tight container, add to your picnic basket, and enjoy at your picnic within an hour.
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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. |
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