orange Archives - Very EATalian

If you’ve ever had the chance to visit Italy and part-take in the Italian social life, then you’ve probably seen or tasted the “orange drink” everybody’s sipping on. It’s Aperol Spritz–a refreshing combination of Prosecco, Aperol, and club soda. It’s low in alcohol, slightly bitter but also sweet, and aromatic with citrus; it’s usually served with potato chips and a big green olive on a stick. Some people like to assemble it at home “by color”, that is, mixing in the Aperol until it achieves the “right” shade of orange. However, if you don’t want to mess it up, just scroll down for the recipe.

In Italian, a drink like Aperol Spritz is called aperitivo–an alcoholic drink you have before a meal…and Spritz does a great job at whetting your appetite. We Italians loooove our aperitivo time to the point where sometimes it becomes “aperi-cena” (aperitivo+dinner): a stretched version of aperitivo where you dine off appetizers or crostini with delicious cheeses or cold cuts (kind of like tapas). Mmmm. So good.

Meeting my friends for a spritz is definitely something I miss about Italy. It’s really nice to get together and catch up over a refreshing and tasty drink, while enjoying the view of the lively piazza. I love it!

Drinking Spritz in Caorle with my friend Angela and our travel buddy, the Clementine.

Aperol Spritz

Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

Recipe type: Cocktails

Serves: 1

Ingredients

3 parts Prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 splash club soda or sparkling water
1 orange slice
ice

Instructions

In a tumbler glass or a large wine glass, add a generous amount of ice cubes.
Pour Prosecco, Aperol, and top with club soda. The glass should be halfway to three-quarters full.
Stir well and add an orange slice.

Notes

Spritz is best served with an olive on a cocktail stick and a bowl of potato chips.

When faced with the task of planning a menu for a special occasion or a dinner with friends, I easily get caught up in fancy ideas. I want to surprise my guests by out-doing myself and preparing many sophisticated dishes. I see it as a way to show them my love…Do I maybe also like to show off my cooking skills? You bet. Unfortunately, sometimes the fancy multi-course meal can become quite laborious and stressful. By the time I hear the doorbell ringing, I’m so exhausted I feel like I just ran a marathon. Those are the moments when I’m especially grateful for the invention of under-eye concealer.

So here’s my own reminder that delicious stress-free, fancy-looking recipes for special occasions DO exist. This Sicilian salad, for example, is super easy, flavorful, bright, fresh, and seasonal. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, and just assemble and season the dish right before serving.

I love the idea of preparing something simple, yet refined. Less work and less time spent on a side dish equals less stress and more time spent taking care of other important hosting details, like table setting or, in my case, not looking disheveled when I open the door!

Sometimes, less is more.

BLOOD ORANGE AND FENNEL SALAD
Servings: 2-3 | Prep time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
3 medium-sized blood oranges
1/2 fennel bulb, very thinly sliced crosswise
a few thin slices red onion, cut crosswise
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp orange juice
coarse sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
mint leave or fennel fronds for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Using a sharp knife, remove all skin and pith from all blood oranges. You can divide it in segments or, more easily, slice it crossways. Place orange slices or segments in a bowl.
2. Add thinly sliced fennel and onion.
3. In a small bowl, combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and orange juice. Whisk together and drizzle all over the salad. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with mint leaves or fennel fronds.

Buon appetito!
-Lisa