The festivities begin on Christmas Eve, also known as La Vigilia. In Italy, this is a time for family, friends, and food. Pierangelini starts the meal with antipasti, small dishes meant to wet the appetite. He serves crispy fried calamari, baccala (salt cod) fritters, and crostini with anchovy paste. These dishes are light and full of flavor, making them perfect for grazing while chatting with loved ones.
For the first course, Pierangelini serves spaghetti alle vongole, a classic pasta dish made with clams, garlic, and white wine. This dish is simple but elegant, allowing the delicate flavor of the clams to shine. He also makes cacio e pepe, a Roman favorite made with spaghetti, pecorino cheese, and black pepper. These two dishes are perfect for the holiday season, as they are hearty and comforting.
The second course is where Pierangelini really shines. He serves a whole roasted sea bass, stuffed with lemon, garlic, and rosemary. The skin is crispy and the flesh is tender and flavorful. He also makes stuffed calamari, filled with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and capers. These dishes are both showstoppers, sure to impress your guests and make your holiday meal unforgettable.
No Italian meal is complete without dessert, and Pierangelini’s Christmas feast is no exception. He serves panettone, a sweet bread filled with raisins and candied fruit. This dessert is perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of vin santo, a sweet wine made in Tuscany. He also serves homemade biscotti, perfect for dipping in coffee or sweet wine. These desserts are a great way to end the meal, and they are also wonderful as gifts to bring to parties or to share with friends and family.
Fulvio Pierangelini’s Christmas is a celebration of Italian traditions, family, and food. His menu showcases the best of Italian cuisine, from antipasti to pasta, seafood, and sweet treats. His simple, elegant, and flavor-packed dishes are perfect for the holiday season, and they are sure to impress your guests. So, if you are looking to add some Italian flair to your Christmas celebrations, consider trying some of Pierangelini’s dishes. Buon Natale!