Menu: Umbrian Dinner Party

Video, Menu Plan and Recipes

During our tour to Umbria we always invite our guests over to our home for the welcome dinner on the first evening. You’re probably thinking that preparing a sit down dinner for 12 people is a lot of work. Yes. And no. Over the years I’ve mastered the art of cooking/not cooking when it comes to entertaining. My menus always include something that I cook myself, but I make sure it is something I can prepare ahead of time. And the rest? I’m very happy to ‘assemble’ well sourced ingredients for the rest of the meal. It all tastes delicious and obviously looks great because - let’s face it - this is when my addiction to buying hand made ceramics comes in handy.

This is the meal I served to our group a few weeks ago, and is definitely festive in an autumn sort of way. There is winter squash (in the soup and in the centerpiece) as well as newly pressed olive oil. And if you want it to feel less autumnal? Just swap out the gourd-filled centerpiece for something that says winter and you’re good to go.