As the holiday season rolls around, you most likely have some people on your list who are difficult to surprise. When I am in a pinch, I use an idea that has worked everytime. Italian gift baskets are the perfect solution! They can be bought or made into a perfect gift for anyone on your list. It’s easy to be creative with your baskets, including decorating them. Here is how to create a memorable gift basket.
An easy gift basket idea is to fill it with a variety of salami! There are many different kinds including Calabrese, Milano, Sopressata, Genova and pepperoni. These Italian meats provide a perfect gift for those friends and family who love cooking! Try to include some easy pasta recipes that use any one of these salamis. Not only are you giving them new recipes to work with, you are also providing the ingredients to cook with. That’s a 2 for 1 deal!
Here’s another idea. Get together all the ingredients to make an authentic Italian meal and make it into a basket! Some examples of what to include are: Rotola, Genova salami, marinara, Rotola, breadsticks and a variety of cheese. Everything you need to make an entire Italian meal is contained in this gift basket. If the recipient likes to cook, try to include some pasta recipes!
Another easy basket to create is an appetizer gift basket! Antipasto is like an Italian appetizer; it combines small-sized bites meant to prepare you for the main course. This is a potpourri of salami, cheese and crackers! It’s easy to be creative when selecting ingredients for this basket. Pepper jack cheese and hot Sopressata is a great combination for those friends who like spicy foods. You can also make it more of a “variety pack” by putting dry salami, pepperoni, Basil Rotola, Milano salami and many others into the basket. An appetizer gift basket makes for a great addition to parties and get togethers! You will have everything you need at your fingertips!
Finally, here is a gift basket idea that will go great with any Italian gift basket: a Salami and wine gift set. Pairing salami with the right type of wine can really bring out the flavors of your favorite Italian meats. Sanigovese wines are created wtih subtle flavors that complement specialty cured meats. The addition of wine salami, which is salami infused with high quality wine, makes a great gift item!
Now you can create your very own Italian gift basket. Any one of these baskets can give your friends and family an authentic taste of Italy.
