Friday, August 14, 2009

The Visitors


We were visited by my nephew and his family. It was a really nice evening and we had a very good meal.

We started with Rice Balls and Chickpeas and Black Olive Bruschetta. Summer Ale, Moretti Italian Beer and Vodka Gimlets rounded out the appetizers.

Dinner was Grilled Skirt Steak and Grilled Onions and Red Pepper Sandwiches with Basil Mayo. Also had a Caesar salad. Dessert was really good, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake...

The appetizers came from that wonderful little book, Simple Italian Snacks, the Suppli (Rice Balls) were a light and crispy snack. The recipe said it was a good way to use left over risotto but I just made a batch of aborio rice last night for the recipe.

The Grilled Skirt Steak and Grilled Onions and Red Pepper Sandwiches with Basil Mayo was from the new Bon Appetit. The recipe called for Corn being added to the mayo but I opted not to do that. The Caesar Salad was for Lidia Italian-American Kitchen and is the best Caesar dressing I have made.


Now about that dessert. Yes the crust was the same cookie recipe that my mom used. And there was a layer of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and then I had some of that cake, the Chocolate Cinnamon Bundt Cake that I chopped up and used as a center filling. Topped that with another layer of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. A hush fell over the table as dessert was eaten. Even the kids did not make a sound. It was that good.


Rounding out the meal was a bottle or two of Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006. It had aromas of cherries and a hint of vanilla on the finish. The wine received rave reviews. And I would like to thank the salesman at Madison Wine Exchange who asked what I was making and suggested that wine.

4 comments:

Velva said...

Do you have room at the table for me? Looks fabulous!

Lucia from Madison said...

Alway room for one more. And yes it was fabulous. Even the kids seemed to enjoy their food. I made them chicken tenders and mac and cheese. Thought that would be a safe choice for them. They would have preferred Chocolate Chip Cookies for dinner.

My Little Space said...

May I know what is the name and recipe for that delicious looking cake??? I'm drooling!

Lucia from Madison said...

I will call this cake the Anna and Andrew Cake! The cake was made in a springform pan. I baked the cookie dough crust in the pan. See 100th post for cookie recipe. Added a layer of mint chocolate chip ice cream. Layered the chopped up cake as a filling and than topped that with another layer of ice cream. Freeze and remove from freezer about 15to 20 minutes before serving.