It all began back in November when Mezzetta sent us samples of their wonderful products.  We received Marinated Artichokes, Sundried tomatoes, Roasted Red Peppers, and recipes for hosting a “Mezzetta 20 Minute Miracle Party” featuring Mezzetta Martini’s.  We thought this would be a great plan for around the Christmas holidays.  The perfect little gathering of friends.

Our party wasn’t a 20 minute Miracle party.  I turned the samples we received into a vast array of dishes in an attempt to please every palate. 

Ted was in charge of the Martinis

 

The first martini offered to guests was the “Savory Mezzetta Martini”. 

  • 3 sprigs of rosemary
  • 5 oz vodka or gin
  • 1 1/2 oz dry vermouth
  • Mezzetta Bleu Cheese Stuffed Olives for garnish
  • Chill the martini glasses in freezer 15 minutes. Add one rosemary spring to a cocktail shaker and “muddle” to release oils.  *To muddle:  Simply press the rosemary fronds against the glass.  If you have a pestle, that is handy to use.  Press and twist.  You just want to squeeze the essence of rosemary into the shaker so it releases into the drink in a gentle way. 
  • Add ice to the shaker. Pour the vodka or gin and vermouth (if a “dirty” martini, add 1 oz of olive juice).  Shake vigorously. Remove rosemary leaves from the base of each reserved sprig and thread with two olives.  Pour martini into chilled glasses using a cocktail strainer and garnish with rosemary sprig and olives.

The popularity of this martini was not huge.  Sam liked it as a dirty martini. It was a bit strong for other guest.

The second martini we made was the “Dolce Rosso”. 

  • 2 oz vodka or gin
  • .5 oz orange juice
  • 1 oz Agave Nectar (you can purchase this at a health food store)
  • 2 thin slices of Mezzetta Roasted Bell Pepper or 1/4 of red bell pepper)
  • 1 strawberry (or 4 raspberries)
  • 1 basil leaf
  • dash of tobasco
  • 1/8 tsp ground pepper

in a mixing glass add and muddle (see above) all the ingredients except the vodka/gin.  After muddling, fill glass with ice. Pour in the spirit. Shake thoroughly and fine strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with sweet pepper  OR

Strain over an ice filled tall glass.  Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with pepper.

This was the more popular martini. It was sweet and spicy. 

The food

We had tapenades all made with Mezzetta ingredients.  Artichoke and Green Olive Tapenade.

Sun Dried Tomato Tapenade  and Lemon Artichoke Crostini (Spread).

Also pictured is Texas Ranch Salad

  • 1  can black beans m- drain and rinse
  • 1 can whole corn –drain
  • 1 large tomato –chopped
  • 1 Hess Avocado – chopped
  • 1/2 red onion – chopped
  • 1 TBS dried Epizote (or use dried cilantro)
  • 1 TBS red wine vinegar + 4 TBS lime juice + 2 TBS olive oil + 1 tsp sea salt + 10 grinds fresh pepper:  Mix all these 5 ingredients for the dressing

Combine black beans through epizote or cilantro.  Add the dressing. Chill and serve.

I made a pizza with Mezzetta pepper rings.  I used a ready made pizza crust and spread a little olive oil on top.  I used about 3 TBS marinara sauce and spread that close to the edge.  Added finely chopped pepper rings, green olives, 6 anchovies, mozzarella cheese, and Asiago cheese.  Baked at 450 F for 20 minutes.

We also had bacon wrapped around chunks of goat cheese with cranberries.  Everyone seemed to enjoy those tasty bites.

For the meat eaters, there were rolls to enjoy with hot Asian Style London Broil. I also did a Peanut Satay London Broil.   There was a mixed meat BBQ done in the crock pot (beef, pork, and meatballs simmered in a zesty barbeque sauce).  There was Oliva Family Macaroni Sauce with Bow Tie Tri-Colored Pasta. 

For those of us who don’t eat meat, we had fresh jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce and crab cakes with smarter tartar (by Ellie Krieger – tune in Thurs. for that one). 

The desserts:

Mini Banana Gluten Free Bundt Cake decorated with festive figurines: Church. Snowman. Mr. & Mrs. Clause.  Mr. and Mrs. Clause were caught smoochin’.

 

 A good time was had by all.

I do think our crowd is mellowing with age though (Nancy and Bob.  Rock and Jackie. Sue and Sam.  Fred and Janice.  Gene and Mary Ellen).  After getting all the food on the table and making sure everyone had their fill, I went back into the room to find all the ruckus was about the basket ball game on TV.   Where was all the Christmas cheer?   It seemed directed toward the win Syracuse had last night.  Oh well,  at least nothing got broken in all the hoopla. 

Great time, good friends, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Thanks Mezzetta!

Joanne

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