Chestnut Dinner in the Mountains of Italy
Things to Do
 
Here is a checklist of things to do and things to buy at the store in order to host this party:
 
 

Candle

2-3 weeks prior: invite friends and set the date

call merchants for hard-to-find ingredients: 2 lbs fresh chestnuts – try online resources like www.empirechestnut.com or 
www.deandeluca.com
remember to order an extra bag or two of chestnuts for your centerpiece and favors! Fresh chestnuts are available from mid-September though mid-January.

order a chestnut pan online if you cannot find one in store from sites like www.culinary-direct.com or www.cookingdepot.com

if your local book store or music store does not have an extensive International section, you may want to refer to www.amazon.com to order your CDs of contemporary Italian artists ahead of time

consult with your specialty wine store about Italian wines to complement your meal if our suggestions are not available

sketch out how you would like your table to look – use the tabletop checklist in the general tips section to help you decide what elements you would like to included

determine what serving pieces you will need

1-2 weeks prior: Order floral arrangements and shop for or borrow table accessories such as:

 Colored votives and pillar candles
 Glass hurricanes
 Colored glassware and votive holders
Table linens
Clippings of Persimmon, solidago
logs and lighter if you have a wood-burning fireplace
plastic bags, ribbon, gift tags and punch-hole/stamp for favors

Barilla_grocery_woman

2 days prior: Get the table ready
 set the table
 prepare favors
 label your serving dishes and utensils

1-2 days prior: Grocery Shop
>Grocery
 1 box BARILLA Castellane Pasta
 1 box BARILLA Orzo Pasta
 34 ounces chicken broth
 1 small package golden raisins
 4 ounces dried porcini mushrooms
 1 bottle white wine
 1 small bottle cloves
 1 small bottle cinnamon sticks
>Produce
 2 pounds fresh chestnuts*
 1 garlic clove
 6 ounces shallots
 1 bunch fresh Italian parsley
 5 sprigs fresh rosemary
 2 large white onions
 1 fresh lemon
>Dairy
 1 stick butter
 1 small piece Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
 1 small container heavy cream or half & half
>Meat
 4 ounces Prosciutto di Parma
 1 pound veal chops, ½ inch thick (approx. 4 chops)
>Pantry
 salt
 black pepper
 white pepper
 extra virgin olive oil
 sugar
>Specialty/Gourmet Food Store
 4 ounces Prosciutto di Parma
 2 ounces Italian pancetta
 1 bottle Sangiovese red wine

* You can substitute fresh chestnuts with canned, drained chestnuts

 

 

 

 

Barilla_Pasta

Same Day: We recommend preparing all the food the day of for the best tasting, freshest experience

3 Hours Prior: Chill white wines if being served

½ Hour Prior:
Light Candles
Open wine
Greet and welcome guests



 




 Chestnut Dinner in the Mountains of Italy  
Overview |Setting the Scene |To Do/Shopping List |Il Menu |Element of Fun