Menu: A Festive Italian Feast

Gather friends and family together for a three-course Italian feast featuring decadent classics like saffron-scented risotto alla milanese, glazed pork chops agrodolce, biscotti, and sweet, cold gelato.

The Menu

Negroni Cocktails
Crusty White Bread with Olive Oil
A Selection of Italian Cheeses and Olives
Peperonata
Risotto alla Milanese
Sweet and Sour Glazed Pork Chops
Sweet Peas with Prosciutto
Fennel Baked in Cream
Anise, Almond, and Hazelnut Biscotti
Milk Gelato
Amaro

Planning Tips

The peperonata can be made up to two days in advance�set it out with cheese, olives, bread, and cocktails for your guests to snack on while you stir the risotto before dinner.
For this menu, a tannic, rustic-style Italian red wine like a barbera or sangiovese will transition smoothly from primo to secondi. The saffron spice in the risotto alla milanese is accented by the tannins, which then balance the richness of the pork.
Making risotto may seem intimidating, but the process is quite simple. Watch chef Mark Vetri demonstrate how it's done in our video:
Amaro is a stomach-settling (and authentically Italian) way to end the meal. For help finding the right bottle, see some of our favorites �
For more authentic Italian recipes and everything you need to know about Italian cuisine, travel, and culture, see our Essential Italy Guide �