italian appetizer ideas

Here's some ideas ... I usually do an antipasti buffet that goes over really well.

1. Stuffed Peppers - Stuff sweet cherry peppers with a piece of cheese (fontina is really good) and a piece of salami, broil until melted.
2. crostini of all kinds - slice a baguette into thin rounds, toast in oven until lightly brown and crunchy. Rub one side with a garlic clove. Top with whatever strikes you - caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella and tomato, fresh tomato and basil, smoked salmon and sour cream, sauteed chicken livers, fresh pears with brie, ratatouille/caponata, tapenade (olive spread), variety of meats & cheese, shrimp, whatever. Very easy and great variety.
3. Roasted Vegetables - peppers, green onions, squash, zucchini, eggplant, fennel, mushrooms - with a balsamic vinaigrette. Looks lovely.
4. bagna cauda - very traditional northern italian dish of olive oil, garlic, anchovies and sometimes butter, melted together. dip raw veggies and bread. Very messy but very delicious.
5. Mini pizzas - use boboli or make your own crusts
6. Foccacia with a variety of toppings. Can even split and make little sandwiches.
7. Polenta - let cool until firm and cut into triangles or rounds then broil. Use like canapes with a variety of toppings.
8. Skewers - things on skewers are great. How about tortellini in a vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes & fresh mozzarella with a balsamic drizzle or roasted veggies? Even cubes of cheese and salami.

OK ... this is all I can think of at the moment. Hope this helps.