I'm like a little kid when it comes to fireworks. I love 'em. And, luckily for me I live near one of the greatest views to take in the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks spectacular: the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
So I decided to share in my good fortune by inviting friends over for nibbles and cocktails before the big show.
Alright. "Nibbles" might not be the right term. "Feast" would really be more appropriate. Then again, you might have gotten that idea from the snapshot above of one of several homemade N'Awlins-style Muffuletta Sandwiches that I put together for the occasion.
Genoa Salami, Italian Ham, Hot Capicolla, Mortadella, Swiss Cheese and Provolone were piled high on freshly baked Sourdough Bread with just a smidge of the center loaf removed to make way for the obligatory Olive Salad. I mixed said salad up the night before to ensure that all the flavors would have time to mingle: juicy Kalamatas, plump Green Olives stuffed with Pimentos, Capers, Garlic, Pickled Italian Vegetables, heaps of Oregano, Red Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil.
And, of course, that was just one of the items on my table. Spinach Dip with Melba Chips and Crudite was served, as was Cucumber and Dill Salad, Homemade Potato Salad and a lovely Tomato-Peach Salad that I couldn't resist making after spying the recipe in Wednesday's Dining In, Dining Out section's ode to picnics.
Pitchers of Pimm's Cup and glasses of Dark n' Stormys washed it all down and then we headed out for the fireworks show in the rain. Even with the downpour it was inspiring. We ooh-ed and aah-ed and clapped with delight.
Hard to follow that up, but I tried. A Blueberry Crisp with Vanilla Whipped Cream topped off the evening nicely. Still, it wasn't as sparkly as Macy's offering for the night.
Sweet Jesus! I love a good Muffuleta sandwich. I wish I had been there.
XOXO
Posted by: Gregorio Hemming | July 08, 2008 at 07:32 PM