Metro Home: Sizzle Up Your American Grill — European Style
There is still plenty of time this summer to keep the grill in your yard fired up. Yes, I know that some of you will continue the BBQ even in the snow. I’ve seen it. I’ve done it. We love it. Here is one way to give your grill and family cookout some Italian love — Pastene variety boxes.
Sample of a gift box from Pastene.
For those who enjoy a medium-rare steak, try a little side dish of artichoke hearts, peppers and sliced hearts of palm. Just sprinkle with a little bit of the Pastene extra virgin olive oil and drizzle a splash or more of their balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and mangia! It’s like a fresh and hearty dinner on the Mediterranean.
The box could include:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml
- Tri-color Tomato Wedges
- Piquillo Peppers
- Artichoke Hearts
- Hearts of Palm
- Minced Garlic 4.5oz
- Double Roasted Pepper Strips 16oz
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- Balsamic Glaze
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pouch
The recipes are endless for meat, chicken, grilled vegetables. I want to also point out that the contents are non-perishable, so you can grab and use any time.
They have a selection of Italian box sets or you can tailor your own.
Pro chefs know that you can make pasta on the grill. It’s your choice to try. I’ve found that if everyone is gathered in the backyard and you don’t want to miss all the conversation. Put the pot of water on the grill! You can do this in advance to make sure it boils and the pasta comes out al dente. Please never under cook or worse, over cook pasta! I recommend the Pastene Spaghetti and their Tomato Basil Sauce. Just add a few leafs of the herb from your garden.
Your gift box could include:
- 16oz Gnocchi
- 16oz Italian Mafaldine
- 16oz Italian Trivella
- 16oz Italian Regine
- 16oz Italian Spaghetti
- 16oz Italian Linguine
- 28oz Kitchen Ready® Pasta Sauce
- 14oz Italian Plum Tomatoes
- 24oz Tomato Basil Sauce
- 7oz Roasted Peppers
- 6.5oz Marinated Artichokes
- 8oz Minced Garlic
- 10oz Kalamata Olives
- 3oz Tuna
Here is the outcome. Imagine their faces while serving up this dish as an appetizer. Open your favorite bottle of wine and now your backyard picnic is a party.
Tip: When invited to a neighbor’s or friends cookout, this gift will be a highlight.
