Spring Vegetables
Things to Do
 
Here is a checklist of things to do and things to buy to host our Spring Vegetables dinner party.

Spring_Vegetables_tabletop

2-3 weeks prior : Set the date, time and location.  Determine who will be invited and let the Spring Vegetables theme guide your creativity.
 
Invite friends:   
 For a casual affair, it is perfectly fine to call friends  to inivite them for an informal dinner.

 Speciality Items:
Purchase decorative items for the tabletop:  watering cans and wheatgrass.

 Consult with your specialty wine store to purchase Italian wines to compliment the menu.  Ask for other suggestions if our selections are not available.
 
 Determine which serving platters and plates you will need.  Our carrot cake looks especially pretty on a pedastal cake stand.  A large colorful bowl or a basket to hold the "edible centerpeice" will do.

1-2 weeks prior:
 Purchase colorful votive candles

 Select table linens (tablecloth, cloth napkins, coasters)


 Select music CDs to play during cocktails and dinner to set the mood

 
Beverages: 
  Select clear wine glasses so you can see the variety of hues of each wine. Have available a wine bottle opener and a wine bucket to keep at the table if you like. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barilla Italian Pasta

2 days prior:

 Set out plates, glasses, flatware, linens and other tabletop items 

 Set out serving dishes to have handy while preparing the food

1-2 Days Prior: Shop for groceries

Produce
 1/2 pound cherry   tomatoes
 4 medium artichokes
 1 pound zucchini
 1 bunch fresh basil
 1 bunch fresh Italian   parsley
 1 bunch fresh mint
 1 fresh garlic bulb
 3 medium leeks
 3-4 yellow bell peppers
 3-4 red bell peppers
 4 ripe tomatoes
 1 large bunch carrots
 1 bunch baby carrots with stems
 
Dairy
 1 stick butter
 1 container heavy cream
 4 eggs
 1 wedge Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Grocery
 1 bottle extra virgin olive oil
 1 box (16 oz) BARILLA Linguine
 1 can anchovies
 1 small loaf white bread
 1 carton chicken stock
 bottled sparkling, still and soda waters
 almond flour
 1 package Amaretti cookies

Seafood
 1 pound calamari
 2 pounds clams

Possible Pantry/ Fridge Items
 flour
 canola or peanut oil
 sea salt
 black pepper
 bay leaf
 white pepper
 sugar
 baking powder
 powdered sugar

Meat
 2 ounces prosciutto di Parma 
 1 pound veal loin

Specialty/Gourmet Shops
 Academia Barilla Mont Iblei extra virgin olive oil (available online at www.academiabarilla.com)

 Academic Barilla Balsamic Dressing (available online at www.academiabarilla.com)

 Acadmemia Barilla Pomodorini Tomatoes(available online at www.academiabarilla.com)

Wine/Liquor
  1 bottle white wine for cooking
Selection of Italian red and wine wines
 1 bottle vodka

Linguine with Clams

Same Day : 

 We recommend preparing all the food the day of for the best tasting, freshest experience. Don’t forget to make or purchase extra ice! 

 Arrange centerpiece

3 Hours Prior: Chill white wines, soft drinks and bottled waters.


½ Hour Prior:
 Set out glasses for serving cocktails
 Open wine
 Light candles
 Greet and welcome guests
 Relax and have fun!



 




 


 

Spring Vegetables

Overview  |Setting the Scene |To Do/Shopping List |Il Menu |Bevande |Element of Fun