The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to start planning menus for family gatherings and dinners with friends. One region of Italy known for its delicious cuisine is Franciacorta, located in Lombardy, which is famous for its exquisite wines and delectable dishes. Here are three Franciacorta-inspired recipes perfect for the holidays that are sure to impress your guests.

1. Cotechino and Lentils

Cotechino is a popular Italian sausage that is often served during the holiday season. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with lentils, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.

Ingredients:
– 1 cotechino sausage
– 1 cup dried lentils
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper
– Extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Rinse lentils under cold water and drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and bay leaves and sauté for another minute.
4. Add the lentils to the pot, along with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. While lentils are cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil, and add cotechino. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes.
6. When cotechino is cooked, slice it into rounds.
7. Season the lentils with salt and pepper. Serve with cotechino on top.

2. Brasato al Franciacorta

Brasato al Franciacorta is a beef stew cooked in Franciacorta, a sparkling wine made from the region’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. This dish is perfect for a holiday dinner party.

Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups Franciacorta
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– Salt and pepper
– Extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add beef and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove beef from pot and set aside.
4. Add onion, carrot and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
6. Add tomato paste, bay leaves and rosemary and sauté for another minute.
7. Add Franciacorta and beef broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
8. Return beef to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
9. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until beef is tender.
10. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

3. Panettone Bread Pudding

Panettone is a popular Italian Christmas sweet bread that can be used to make a delicious dessert. This bread pudding is an excellent way to use leftover panettone and a perfect way to end a holiday meal.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb panettone bread, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups whole milk
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 4 eggs
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for garnish

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon.
3. Add panettone bread to the bowl and stir to combine.
4. Transfer mixture to a buttered baking dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until bread pudding is golden brown and set.
6. Let the bread pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with confectioners’ sugar.

In conclusion, these three Franciacorta-inspired recipes are sure to delight your guests and make your holiday gatherings unforgettable. With their unique flavors and perfect holiday spirit, you can celebrate the season with Italian flair.

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