Aperitivo

I am determined to begin learning more about Italian aperitivo. Aperitivo in Italy is usually a pre-dinner drink, meant to “open” the palate and give you a chance to socialize, relax, and nibble as dinner approaches or is overlooked altogether.
Aperitivo is more popular in the north of Italy, though you’ll find a form of it throughout Italy. We found several aperitivo bars in Florence and Bellagio this past September, and I loved it so much that I'm determined to make it part of a daily tradition for my Sicilian husband, lover of all things Italian. I guess it's the Italian cocktail hour, but different from our 'Happy Hours' here in the states. Eating appetizers has always been more enjoyable for me that sitting down to a traditional dinner. Designing a daily aperitivo will give me the chance to try out some new recipes as I sit with my husband on our porch or in front of the fireplace, drinking wine, munching away and chatting. I don't even care if I don't have dinner, but he will. Tonight we're having my original homemade herb and garlic marinara sauce with whole grain pasta (he prefers regular pasta, but the whole grain is healthier - sometimes I surprise him with a regular linguini or perciatelli). For the aperitivo I haven't settled on anything specific yet, I have some bright red peppers, asparagus and zucchini in the fridge - I'll check out Viana LaPlace's cookbook, Verdura. The inside book jacket states that Verdura is 'An inspired collection of nearly three hundred classical and original recipes that translates the Italian passion for food into an endless celebration of vegetables.' Well, I'm all for passion! I just opened up to 'Bruschetta with Matchstick Pepper Strips' on page 136. Let's see what happens. Ciao Bella!!