It was a wonderful Christmas Eve party at  Mamma di Pino’s house. As you can imagine the food was marvelous. Christmas Eve dinner for many Italians is the perfect opportunity to indulge in delicious traditional fish dishes as well as traditional sweets (dolci). Lina served a variety of  seafood dishes typical of Italian cusine.

This year the Christmas menu (Menu di Natale) included five courses:

First course:

• Antipasto di Pesce
• Scallops and Shrimp in Martini glasses

Second course:

• Spaghettini alla Marinara

Third course:

• Calamari Ripieni con Piselli

Fourth course:

• Sautéed Baccala with Dried Peppers and chickpeas

Fifth course:

• Baccala Frito con Pastella(salted dry cod fish)
• Fried Cauliflower
• Fried Calamari
• Fried Smelts
• Sautéed Rapini

Dessert (Dolci):

• Taralli di Natale con Marmellata d’uva
• Pepatelli
• Fichi Secchi Con le Noci
• Panettone
• Torrone al Cioccolato

Lina also served Focaccia alle Olive Verdi with Salad and Shrimp Cocktail.
The religious significance of the dishes prepared on Christmas Eve will vary from region to region.  What are most significant to me are the fond memories that this evening has provided my family and friends throughout our lives and the new ones we anticipate for the coming year.   This culinary feast will be sure to tantalize all of your senses.  A feast for the eyes, the warm glow of candles that adorn the table filled with savory fish and delectable sweets.  The inviting sounds of laughter, the “pop” of Prosecco and the chatter of glasses toasting the birth of Christ.  The evening will leave you with a taste like no other.  You will find yourself filled with gratitude, love and generosity that will carry throughout the coming year! 

 Buon Natale!

La Mamma di Pino