Italian Aperitivo

INGREDIENTS

For the sandwich:

• 1 Dunnes Stores Organic Rosemary & Olive oil Focaccia
• 3 tbsp pesto
• 125g fresh Italian mozzarella, sliced
• 2 tbsp semi-dried tomatoes
• 4 slices of Prosciutto, or other Italian cured meat

For the melon salad:

• 1 Dunnes Stores Cantaloupe melon, sliced into eights
• 125g fresh Italian mozzarella, torn
• 8 slices of Prosciutto, or other Italian cured ham
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh Basil

For the Negroni:

• 200ml Sweet Vermouth
• 200ml Campari
• 200ml Gin

To serve:

• Red and green olives drizzled with olive oil and lemon zest

METHOD

1. Slice the rosemary and olive oil focaccia horizontally to create a sandwich base and spread a generous layer of pesto over the bottom half of the focaccia.
2. Layer on the sliced mozzarella, followed by semi-dried tomatoes and then the prosciutto. Top with the remaining half of the focaccia and press gently to compact the sandwich slightly. Cut into quarters or small squares just before serving.
3. To make the Cantaloupe, Mozzarella & Prosciutto Salad arrange the cantaloupe slices on a large serving platter. Scatter torn mozzarella over the melon and nestle the prosciutto between the melon and cheese. Its saltiness cuts perfectly through the fruit and adds a luxurious texture.
4. Drizzle everything generously with extra virgin olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. Finish with a handful of fresh basil leaves.
5. Finally to make the classic Negroni combine the sweet vermouth, Campari, and gin in a large jug or cocktail mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and diluted just enough to mellow the bite. Pour into short tumblers over fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist for a citrus lift.
6. To serve, arrange your platter with the focaccia sandwiches and melon salad at the centre. Add a small dish of red and green olives, drizzled with olive oil and a little lemon zest. Serve with chilled Negronis in hand and enjoy a slice of la dolce vita—even if the weather’s more grey than golden.