April 25 menu: lunch tips for the celebration!

Menu for April 25th: this is the day that marks the anniversary of the liberation of Italy, or Resistance Day, to commemorate the liberation of Italy from Nazi occupation and the fascist regime. An important day to remember, and for this reason, Italian families gather at the table to lunch with typical Italian cuisine recipes, or why not, considering the advanced spring weather, even enjoy a nice barbecue outdoors!

This year in particular, the April 25th celebration is very close to the Easter holidays, so you can also take advantage of this proximity to enjoy typical dishes of the religious holiday. Thus, those who particularly love traditional Easter dishes can take the opportunity to savor a delicious Neapolitan Pastiera, or lamb with peas, or hard-boiled eggs with asparagus; in particular, the latter is in season and can be found fresh. There are no limits to creativity, so get creative with the flavors of Italian cuisine, and create your perfect menu based on your taste!

If you're short on ideas, no problem: here are some useful tips for a perfect April 25th menu!

April 25th Menu: sit-down lunch or outdoor barbecue?

April 25th Menu: we are in late spring, and the warmth of the air entices you to enjoy a nice outing or a barbecue in the garden, rather than a seated lunch at the table. It should also be said that spring often brings rainy days; thus, if you are undecided about what to do, the weather conditions might just decide for you!

In any case, whether it's a barbecue or an outing for a nice picnic with friends, the important thing is to be together and have fun in a spirit of relaxation and good food: a meat grill with some vegetables, a puff pastry pie prepared according to your imagination are perfect ideas for a meal, both outdoors and indoors.

What to eat on April 25th: recipes for lunch

What to eat on April 25th: here are some useful tips to prepare a perfect menu, to enjoy whether you decide to stay at home or take it with you for a picnic.

Appetizers are always easy to take with you, or to present at the table on a nice platter. Some cheeses like Pecorino Romano, excellent and typical for this period as it is particularly used for Easter festivities, are always appreciated by everyone. A nice Montasio Mezzano DOP is also ideal, even for making excellent vegetable pies as appetizers. The Malga Novezza aged cheese is always welcome, especially when paired with chestnut honey. Also prepare some canapés with cured ham and berries, to be paired with a Merlot IGT Veneto wine. Want to impress your guests? Prepare some cold bread cannoli filled with fresh ricotta and high-quality cooked ham: they are easy and quick to make, ideal for lunch at home or a packed meal. They will amaze you!

For the first course, you could opt for a fresh rice salad with vegetables, made with Carnaroli rice, perfect for rice salads. This dish is simple and tasty, and will be great for lunch at home and for the picnic outdoors. You can also choose a pasta dish with vegetables and fresh cheese like Double Cream Cheese. The result is a simple first course that you will never forget!

For second courses, you could opt for lamb or for white meats, perhaps sautéed in a pan in bite-sized pieces with a squeeze of lemon; given the proximity to Easter, you might still enjoy lamb if you like it. Those who do not eat this type of meat could opt for a roast like Oven-Roasted Loin, light and tasty to accompany with roasted potatoes.

For an outdoor lunch, the barbecue is definitely the best alternative: why not prepare sausages or lunanega from Pavoncelli? They are perfect for setting up an outdoor barbecue, perhaps accompanied by grilled polenta slices. Pair your barbecue with a Lambrusco Grasparossa della Tradizione, an Emilia wine perfect to complement the full and robust flavor of red meats.

April 25th Lunch: end on a sweet note with dessert!

April 25th Lunch: to end the festive lunch beautifully, desserts are a must. The recently celebrated Easter will not let us miss a traditional artisan Colomba like the one from Parole nel Piatto, or why not, a Pigna molisana from Panificio Rosa Maria Vittoria, exceptional in its simplicity!

We can prepare delicious and quick desserts at home that everyone loves, such as simple fruit skewers dipped in melted dark chocolate: you can use the leftover chocolate from Easter eggs! For a fresh dessert, you could use simple Yogurt, to be filled always with the melted chocolate from the Easter eggs; a cool dessert that everyone enjoys!

If you are not a skilled pastry chef, why not opt for a fabulous Almond Tart? It’s a celebration of flavors; you will fall in love! A nice slice of tart should be paired with a good coffee made with a moka pot!

We close beautifully with bubbles: a toast to the celebration with an excellent sparkling wine with a delicate, fruity aroma reminiscent of spring flowers!

April 25th Menu: for a celebration of liberation in the spirit of good company and Italian gastronomic tradition. And above all... enjoy your meal!

Antonella Iannò

S&M