Celebrate July 4th with a picnic!
In just a few weeks, fireworks will illuminate the night sky in technicolor wonder. Families across the United States will gather together for dinner, drinks, and a few celebratory sparklers. While the standard Fourth of July meal might consist of hamburgers and hot dogs, there are plenty of delicious recipes perfect for an alfresco evening. Discover three Italian recipes to try on this Fourth of July!
Antipasti Perfecto
Pasta salad is a picnic favorite, but why not try a new twist on the classic recipe? This toss-and-go salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings, and it only takes 25 minutes to prepare! In a large pot, cook ¾ pound twisted pasta noodle, and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Once cooked, return the pasta and stir in four ounces of mozzarella, two jarred roasted red peppers, two ounces thinly sliced salami, two tablespoons red-wine vinegar, four tablespoons of olive oil, and the reserved pasta water. Finish it all off with a dash of salt and pepper, top with parsley, and serve!
Chicken Zucchini Sandwich
Everyone loves a good sandwich, and this chicken and marinated-zucchini sandwich will certainly hit the spot! Slice one zucchini into ribbons and toss with ¼ sliced red onion, one tablespoon lemon zest, and two tablespoons of lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle the dish with salt and pepper and let it stand for a half hour. Boil one pound of chicken cutlets until completely cooked. Once it’s cooled, shred it, and add the zucchini mixture. Top with fresh parsley and serve on an Italian loaf!
Wine Taralli Cookies
Every party needs dessert, and these cookies combine the best of both worlds! In a mixing bowl, whisk together three cups of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of baking powder, and one teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup sugar and one egg. Next, stir in ½ cup olive oil and ½ cup Marsala wine. Slowly add the flour mixture until it’s combined, and knead slightly. Lastly, roll the dough into 6-inch rolls (like a hot dog) and fold each piece into a loop-shape (like a doughnut). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 375 degrees, and finish them off with icing once cooled!
VISIT BASTA PASTA
For more than 12 years, Basta Pasta has given Maryland diners delicious Italian food made from local and fresh ingredients. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes, unlimited salad and breadsticks, and fine wine at one of our locations in Timonium, Fallston, or Eldersburg. Contact us online or give us a call at the location-specific phone number listed here. Read our menu and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! You can also order our signature crab cakes online and enjoy delicious Basta Pasta from home!