As the holiday season rolls around, you most likely have some people on your list who are difficult to surprise. I have a great idea that has worked for me over and over. Italian gift baskets are the perfect solution! These gift baskets will be a sure hit with any friend or family member, whether you buy them or make them. It’s fun to be really creative with your basket, including how you decorate it. Here are some gift basket ideas for you to work with.

An easy basket to put together is a salami variety pack! Your salami basket can include Milano, pepperoni, Genova, Sopressata and Calabrese salami. These traditional Italian meats are a perfect gift for your friends and family who love to cook! Try to include some easy pasta recipes that use any one of these salamis. You’re giving them not only new recipes, but also the ingredients to cook with. That’s a 2 for 1 deal!

Try this idea. Get together all the ingredients to make an authentic Italian meal and make it into a basket! Some items to include are: Genova salami, Rotola, breadsticks, pasta, marinara and a variety of cheese. If a friend needs to throw a quick meal together, this basket contains every ingredient for an Italian meal. Include pasta recipes in the basket!

Creating an appetizer gift basket is easy and perfect for your friends who like to keep it simple! Antipasto is an authentic Italian appetizer meant to prepare you for the main course. Think of this as an Italian appetizer basket filled with meat, cheese and crackers! Branch out and be creative with this basket’s ingredients. For friends that like spicy food, try the hot Sopressata and some pepper jack cheese. Or, you can create a “variety pack” by adding in different types of Italian meats such as salami, pepperoni, Basil Rotola or Sopressata. Appetizers are great for any party or get together! Everything you need is packed into this basket!

Finally, here is a gift basket idea that will go great with any Italian gift basket: a Salami and wine gift set. Pairing salami with the right type of wine can really bring out the flavors of your favorite Italian meats. Sanigovese wines are created wtih subtle flavors that complement specialty cured meats. To really spice it up, add in some samples of wine salami!

Now that you know the basis of how to create any number of gift baskets, problem solved. Any one of these baskets can give your friends and family an authentic taste of Italy.

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