Salami Snack Loaf

This one is really easy to put together when you have guests, and comes out soooo gooood... (keep in mind that when i say "good", i usually mean "salty":)


I used a ciabatta loaf, but you could use any relatively soft bread.  you don't want it to be too crusty.


Slice loaf lengthwise.


Spread both halves with garlic herb cheese spread.  I use Alouette spreadable cheese, but you could make it yourself by blending softened cream cheese with garlic powder and black pepper.

Layer one side with salami, then layer of shredded mozzarella, another layer of salami, a layer of drained sliced olives, and the final layer of salami.
You can mix it up a bit by using different kinds of salami for each layer, as I did here, or even try hot capicola or ham.

Top with second half of bread.


Place stack on a piece of foil, then pull the sides of the foil up to hold it together.  You want the whole thing to get warmed through and melt the cheese without making the crust too crunchy.  I leave the top open to let the heat in.

Place on baking sheet in 350F oven for 20 minutes.


Slice and serve hot.

I like to serve with condiments: diced pickles, ranch dressing, and marinara sauce.

4 Step Chicken Cacciatore

Step 1: saute 1 lb cubed chicken breast meat with garlic powder, black pepper, rosemary, oregano in large saute pan.  When half cooked, push to one side.



Step 2: in same pan, saute big chunks of onion and green pepper until partly softened.  (using large chunks makes it easier for picky eaters to push aside the parts they don't want)





Step 3:  add 29oz can plain tomato sauce, 1 can drained whole black olives, 1 can drained mushrooms.  Simmer 15 minutes.




Step 4: serve over pasta or with garlic bread.

Antipasto is Awesome!

From wikipedia: Antipasto (plural antipasti) , often spelled and/or pronounced as antipasta (antipasta salad), means "before the meal" and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Traditional antipasto includes cured meats, olives, peperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses (such as provolone or mozzarella), pickled meats and vegetables (both in oil or in vinegar).



It is really just marinated bite-sized meats, cheeses, and veggies, so you could use any that you prefer.  This is what I used:

Stick pepperoni, sliced
Salami, cut into cubes
Smoked gouda, cubed
German butter cheese, cubed
Fresh mozzarella balls
Olives, green and black greek, drained
Marinated mushrooms in oil
Marinated slices of cherry pepper
1 bottle italian dressing

Mix all ingredients.  Allow to marinade at least overnight; two days if possible. Shake container occasionally to distribute marinade.

Seriously, you just buy all these goodies and throw together in a container for a day or so.  Then enjoy the awesomeness!



Serve with toothpicks or on lettuce with fresh veggies.  You could also use ham cubes, proscuitto pieces, artichoke hearts, three-bean salad; anything goes!