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Il
Cestino di Natale
"The
Christmas Basket"
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The Centerpiece
An exquisite ceramic pedestal plate handcrafted and hand painted in a family-owned
shop on Palermo’s sunny seaport. Beautiful Italian design in muted tones
of blue, green, coral and yellow on a light background. A stunning addition
to the home long after the contents are removed. Perfect for fruit
or floral display.
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The Contents
Ampolle
Cruets for sweet honey and cream or
flavored oils and vinegars, made and painted by hand in the same shop as the
Centerpiece.
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Scatola di Gioia
A jewel box in a charming pattern coordinated
with the pedestal plate and cruets, this ceramic piece can hold sugar packets
on the dining table or a special jewel in the bedroom.
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L’Albero di Vita
The tree of life pendant, in Murano
glass and millefiori from the Veneto region, on a 20-inch gold chain.
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Mosaic
Painstakingly handcrafted in an artisans’
enclave in Monreale, this pretty mosaic is not painted but made of a variety
of rocks in their natural color, depicting the town’s famous cathedral.
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The Gourmet Foods
A sampling of delicious gourmet foods from Italy’s distinct regions.
Olio d’Olive Organic
“very special” Extra Virgin olive oil by Bellino in the Adriatic province
of Abruzzo, fit for a king.
Olio di Girasole
Sunflower oil flavored with tomatoes, chili peppers and bay leaves. By Collina
Toscana, with recipes included.
Cipolle in Agrodolce Sweet
& sour onions are the perfect accompaniment to beef tenderloin, pork
roast or frittata.
Aceto Balsamico Balsamic vinegar
by Leonardi. Not just for salads anymore. Drizzle over sweet strawberries,
or see the other serving suggestions enclosed.
Pasta By La Pastorela D’ Abruzzo
called Mullini, a small “waterwheel” shaped pasta that will hold up
against a rich sauce.
Paté di Tonno A mild
tuna pate’ that makes an elegant appetizer atop buttery crackers.
Paté di Finocchietto
Fennel pate’ Combine with breadcrumbs, spread atop a pork tenderloin before
roasting.
Paté di Pistachio Toss
with hot cooked pasta and crumbled gorgonzola cheese for a wonderful first
course.
Pepperoncino Macinato in Olio
Ground hot chili peppers in oil, for the devil in everyone.
Acciughe con Mandorle Anchovy-wrapped almonds make an antipasto platter
tasty and unique.
Paté di Melanzana Eggplant
paté. Spread on French bread slices, top with grated cheese and
toast lightly.
Maestrale Sea Salt of Sicily
From the salt marches of Trapani, good for cooking and the table.
Gavioli Succo di Frutta Sparkling
fruit juice, in a robust red grape flavor. Great for Sunday brunch.
Miele con Mandorle Plump roasted
almonds drenched in honey made in the ancient Greek city of Sciacca. For an
unusual appetizer, spoon over a warm smoked cheese such as Scamorza.
Pesto alla Trapanese From Trapani
on the west coast of Sicily, pesto sauce with a touch of tomato.
Salsa alla Norma Sicily’s most
famous pasta sauce, with tomatoes and eggplant.
Marmellata di Arance e Limone
A luscious combination of sweet orange and lemon marmalades. Unusual and delicious
spread on a char-broiled burger.
I Dolci A variety of sweet
confections, chocolates, candies and mini-pastries sprinkled throughout the
basket.
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