appetizer

Recipes and dishes that can be used as appetizers.

Though far from the most exotic pasta recipe, spaghetti alla carbonara - more or less literally translated as 'spaghetti as that of the charcoal maker' - is a great mid-way step between that and just plain marinara. Essentially spaghetti with eggs and bacon, it is simple to make and delightful to eat.

Risotto alla Milanese, or Milanese risotto, is a classic dish from Milan in northern Italy. Saffron gives the creamy rice its distinctive golden color and delicate flavor, while butter, white wine, and broth build its rich, savory character. Serve it as a traditional first course, or as an accompaniment to dishes such as ossobuco.