World Cup Appetizers

June 11 to July 11 2010 is the most wonderful period of time, a time that happens once every four years. It’s a very big deal for billions of people from all over the world! At this time all differences are set aside, race, gender, social status… nothing matters when our country is playing!  It’s FIFA, “real” football, soccer, call it whatever you want, it’s 2010 World Cup time!

In every corner of the globe, people gather and watch the games as a group. It’s more fun to scream from joy or frustration and jump around when we are surrounded by friends. And when people gather, they need something to munch on, no matter what time a day it is even if the games (at least in the US of A) are earlier in the day. Since we want to spend the least time possible preparing food and most of the time watching the games,  so here are some fast, healthy snack ideas for “World Cup Parties.” Homemade Labne with pita  – Vegetable Pinzimonio  – Homemade – Guacamole “my way”  

Homemade Labne with pita Labne is simply strained whole milk yogurt! Buy a 32 oz of the best quality whole milk yogurt or Greek style yogurt you can find. Line a colander with a stack of 4 paper towels and pour the yogurt in the colander. Place the colander in a large bowl and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 hours. The water will separate from the yogurt. Discard water, place drained yogurt in the bowl, add ½ teaspoon of sea salt and with a spoon mix well (taste if more salt is needed). Now you have made Labne! Spread the Labne on a flat plate. Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil on the Labne and enjoy either with fresh pita or pita chips.

ps: to eat Labne the original Middle Eastern way, sprinkle on it a little of dried mint before drizzling the oil!

Vegetable Pinzimonio Pinzimonio is a typical Italian appetizer that is not on many people’s radar! It’s the easiest, healthies most delicious way to eat raw vegetables. Chose your favorite mix of vegetable, from bell peppers, to radishes, carrots, fennels, fresh onions, celery, broccoli, coliflour, whatever you like. Wash the vegetables, dry them and cut them in two/three bite sizes. Place the veggies in a large serving bowl. In a small bowl mix ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, ½ teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Mix well with a fork. Pick your vegetable, dip it in the oil mixture and enjoy!

Guacamole “my way” There are many different ways of making Guacamole, and everybody has their favorite way, but being a lover of genuine flavors I make the guacamole by simply crushing with a fork the avocado meat and adding sea salt to it! All you will taste is the real, fresh, simple flavor of the fruit enhanced by a little salt. Enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips.

Happy WORLD CUP to everybody…    and as we say in Italian VINCA IL MIGLIORE (I think in English it would be: May the best one win!)

Rima –  A Tavola Together


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