As the holiday season rolls around, you may have one or two people on your list who are impossible to surprise. I have an idea that has worked for me many times. Italian gift baskets are the perfect solution! These gift baskets will be a sure hit with any friend or family member, whether you buy them or make them. Make sure to be creative and decorative with your baskets. Here are some gift basket ideas for you to work with.
The first gift basket idea is to fill it with a variety of salami! There are plenty of varities to choose from, including Sopressata, pepperoni, Calabrese, Milano and Genova. 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. You are giving them the recipes to follow and the ingredients to cook with. What a deal!
This is another basket idea. Create a gift basket with ingredients to make an authentic Italian meal! Be sure to include salami, Rotola, pasta, marinara, breadsticks and your favorite kind of cheese. If your friend is ever in a jam, this “survival kit” contains everything for a complete Italian meal. Include pasta recipes in the basket!
If your friend or family member likes to keep it simple, stock 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! What you put in this basket is completely up to you. For friends that like spicy food, try the hot Sopressata and some pepper jack cheese. 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! Everything you need will be within reach!
The final basket is 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 to complement specialty cured meats with their subtle flavors. The addition of wine salami, which is salami infused with high quality wine, makes a great gift item!
Now that you know the basis of how to create any number of gift baskets, problem solved. Any one of these baskets can give your friends and family an authentic taste of Italy.