Starting the Meal: Affettati Misti

A festive Italian meal generally begins with a variety of appetizers, which are known as antipasti -- a word that literally translates as before the pasto, or meal. These antipasti vary considerably from place to place in Italy, but they will often include a selection of cold cuts, which are known as affettati misti.

This platter of affettati misti was prepared by the Trattoria il Borgo, a restaurant Franciacorta's Azienda Villa (an excellent winery) has recently opened in Monticelli Brusati, not far from Brescia.

We have Capocollo, Mortadella, Pancetta, Prosciutto, and Salame. In the next shots I have highlighted them one at a time, to help you recognize them.