Cicchetti ─ Small-Bite Appetizers

Arguably the most seductive city in the world, Venice exudes magic and mystery, history and tradition, so it comes as no surprise that a city which delights at every turn should have a few little-known treasures to discover, too. Not least the custom of enjoying cicchetti (pronounced ‘chee-keh-tee’). Discover the charms of a small but bustling bacaro, where traditionally a glass of wine, known as an ‘ombra’, is served together with a selection of small plates or ‘cicchetti’.

There are over 40 recipes starting with Verdura (vegetables) including Rosemary Roasted Chickpeas, Venetian Cheese with Cipolline in Agrodolce and Fig & Blue Cheese Pizzette; or try simple Pesce (fish) plates of Mixed Fried Fish, Soft Shell Crab with Lemon & Caper Mayonnaise, Red Mullet in Saor and Scallops with Borlotti Beans. Also featured are Carne (meat) recipes for Artichokes with Taleggio Cheese & Prosciutto, Calves’ Liver with Onions & Potato, Speck & Smoked Ricotta Crocchette. Finish up a selection of Crostini & Tramezzini (breads) as well as Bevande (drinks) to do as the Venetians do.

Venetians love to linger a while with friends, chatting over these wonderful morsels and a glass of wine, a Spritz or Campari Soda, but cicchetti make perfect food for entertaining at home, too. Whether for pre-dinner nibbles, or a full blown party, bring a little taste of Italy to your kitchen at home.

Liz Franklin was food editor of Good Health magazine and is now a freelance cook, food writer and stylist who runs a cookery and wine education school in Italy. Based in the south of England, for Ryland Peters and Small she has also written Oils & Vinegars (978-1-84597-596-8), Cooking Italian with Kids (978-1-84597-703-0), Tea & Treats (978-1-84975-497-2) and The Cookie Jar (978-1-89475-655-6).