Antipasto Foodfest!

It's become somewhat of a tradition for us.  Every 6 months or so we have a nice night in and indulge in a huge antipasto spread.  Generally, this consists of miscellaneous cheeses, meats, crackers, veggies like roasted red peppers, tapenades, fruit and red wine.  You can't forget the wine!  We sit around the coffee table, light some candles, listen to a little music - generally Rodrigo y Gabriela - and enjoy!

This is truly a feast for all senses....and a feast for a small army (of two!)  No, we don't eat it all, there's always leftover cheese to indulge in for a few days longer.

Usually we make a trip to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods to round out our selections.

Some creamy camembert

marinated mozzarella, cherry peppers, lemon feta, goat cheese with honey and marcona almonds (above); Breseola and pepper salami (below)

Delicious blue cheese!

We usually use this as an excuse to try a new wine and some new cheeses.  Since the new Whole Foods in Dedham opened, I hit up the antipasto bar they have and picked out some intriguing looking cheeses.  Goat cheese with honey and marcona almonds, lemon and basil feta cheese, garlic and herb infused fresh mozzarella, stuffed cherry peppers, and more!  It's really inspired me to think up some new combinations to make on my own for the next feast.

Mangia!