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with Mario Batali on Appetizers
Lucca: We are such fans of Mario - I'm Italian "by proxy" (marrying into the family 25 years ago) and would love to knock 'em dead with a great appetizer to tie in with the annual Christmas Eve feast (all fish dishes of course). Can you help?
 Laurie: If you want to really strengthen your Italian pedigree, prepare marinated eel, which is the most traditional Christmas Eve dish on the Italian table. If your family won't be thrilled by that, I suggest Crostini Napolitani, which are ricotta and anchovy accented toasts. Another option, especially for young children, is Mozzarella in Carozza, which are egg-dipped grilled cheese sandwiches made with buffalo mozzarella. These recipes are all in the book "Holiday Food".
Dave: What is a simple appetizer for the holidays that would appeal to both kids as well as adults?
Laurie: Mozzarella in Carozza, which translates to "mozzarella in a carriage," is simple enough to please children, yet grown up enough for every adult. The key to making this dish a hit is to use fresh buffalo mozzarella, which has a wonderful quality when melted. Buffalo cheese doesn't have any sort of flavor that would turn off squeamish children. It can be picked up and eaten with the hands, which makes it especially kid-friendly.
Back to Cooking 101
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Are your muffins flat or full of air pockets? Is your meatloaf dry and crumbly? Experts from the Food Network Kitchens may be able to help.
Click here to ask your culinary question and check the Cooking 101 page each week to see a new response.
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