I love (mi amore) an Italian gift basket any day of the week. Have you eaten at an authentic Italian restaurant recently? If you have, the tables usually have olive oil, dried pepper seeds and sometimes a small selection of herbs to add to your favorite Italian dishes. Do you know someone who loves Italy; why not send them an Italian gift basket, for no special reason? Frequent local niche shops for virgin olive oil, specialty pastas, and unusual sauces. For a fresh loaf of “pagnotta,” visit a local bakery or wine shop and while you’re there, have them suggest a red and white Italian wine. Tell them you are putting together an Italian gift basket and would like to sample both kinds of wine (if you are 21 or older of course). Include a recipe or two with the Italian gift basket for your friend or relative, using the ingredients you have selected. Remember an after dinner treat too; you may choose a coupon or gift certificate to an ice cream shop where they serve Italian gelato, be sure to try a sample for yourself as well or small packages of biscotti, tortoni, or sweet cakes. Why not try baking an Italian dessert yourself and sharing the recipe with the Italian gift basket. Put all your collected food items in a large basket, include a note with a couple Italian words and your personal message, use a colored ribbon such as green white or red or combination of these colors (Italy’s flag color) to wrap it up and voila – you have created an Italian gift basket for anyone on your list!
