Cheers

Cheers
Magazine: February 2008

Bearing in mind that the festive air is balm for mind and spirit, it is time to throw open the door to the carnival follies in the company of good friends. Entertainment is the name of the game so it’s probably best to opt for an informal gathering. A fi nger food buffet saves the hosts the complexities of a full-blown, sit down spread. Deck a generous table for all the invites. It’s essential to plan the lay out of all the necessary implements. Everything should be meticulously laid so the guests can easily access plates, cutlery and clean glasses. Don’t forget to go over the top with the decorations! Confetti, carnival streamers and masks plus a lively soundtrack to invite everyone to dance. The menu is open to interpretation…let your fantasy run wild with nibbles fi lled with colourful veg, bite size pizzas, savoury quiches. Pride of place goes to the Carnival desserts. Enjoy “struffoli napoletani”, the crumbly “chiacchiere”, sugary “castagnole” from Friuli, the “sweet ravioli” fi lled with jam, dried fruit or ricotta and of course, the rounded “zeppole”, typical Neapolitan carnival treats.