Give Guests the Food They Love

Panettone Sundae with Berries

(MS) -- Of the many things people look forward to come the holiday season, food is at or near the top of many people's list. Beginning with Thanksgiving, the holiday season is the one time of year even the most health-conscious foodie allows for some leeway when it comes to daily diet.

For the especially ambitious party host, a truly memorable holiday party is one that acknowledges that love of holiday food but takes things one step further, offering guests more than the traditional holiday fare. Perhaps no ethnic food strikes a stronger chord than Italian cuisine, which seems to be a homerun with everyone regardless of one's nationality. Traditional Italian entrees always light up a guest's eyes.

But the entree isn't the only way hosts can give their holiday an Italian theme. Panettone, the traditional Italian sweet bread beloved across Italy, is now growing in popularity in the United States as well, with domestic sales up 14 percent. For hosts hoping to give their holiday party an Italian theme from the first appetizing hors d'oeuvre to the final delectable dab of dessert, consider the following recipe for "Panettone Sundae with Berries" courtesy of Bauducco, makers of America's most popular Italian sweet bread.

Panettone Sundae with Berries
Serves 4

  •   slices of Panettone 3/4
  •   cup raspberries 3/4
  •   cup strawberries 1/4
  •   cup blueberries 1/4
  •   cup blackberries
  •   Salt-free butter
  •   Confectioner's sugar
  •   Vanilla ice cream
  •   Ice cubes

In a blender, beat 1/2 cup of raspberries and 1/2 cup of strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar. Add 8 ounce glass of ice cubes, a few cubes at a time, with the blender turned on. Pour puree through a fine sieve and set aside.

Cut the Panettone slices into medium-sized circles. In a skillet, add a tablespoon (one pat) of butter and brown the Panettone circles until crisp on both sides.

Remove from pan and sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Place a little of the cold berry puree on a plate, then Panettone and a little of remaining raspberry, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and serve at once.