Panna Cotta-- A Dessert Dream Come True To Serve At Your Wedding

Panna Cotta, a silky yet elegant Italian custard that can be served in a variety of ways and with assorted toppings to change it's flavor, texture and color is highlighted as a great wedding dessert offering on OnceWed.com.  They give you a recipe from the New York Times but there are a variety of recipes out there so you can create just the texture and flavor you want for your wedding day in case you are a DIY bride who doesn't want to leave the cooking to your caterer.

Serve this elegant dessert at your Italian wedding.  You can make it ahead of time and serve it in shot glasses for easy serving. Why not offer a panna cotta bar for dessert?  Offer your guests a variety of toppings in different colors to suit every palate. 

If you're looking for some good recipes for panna cotta, Amazon.com offers Panna Cotta: Italy's Elegant Custard Made Easy by Camilla Saulsbury.  This book not only gives you recipes for this upscale dessert but recipes for topping as well.  What more could you ask for?

Unique Cannolis

Grasshopper Cannolis From Stuffed Artisan Cannolis

Some like their drinks served on the rocks, others served neat, but I know that the very best cocktails are served in cannoli form! So head over the Stuffed Artisan Cannolis on the Lower East Side. If you aren't heading into the city and live in Long Island/NYC area there are seven Whole Foods locations that sell Stuffed Artisan Cannolis. Only in NY! And I thought bagels and cheesecake were the best reason to love New York! Add these great flavored cannolis to the list!

Cherry Tomatoes - Bocconcini Lollipops

Photo and recipe from: http://moogieland.blogspot.com/

Looking for something a little different for an appetizer? Try this easy to make but attractive recipe that is based on caprese salad. This pairing of mozzarella and tomatoes is a perfect combination for picnic weddings or appetizers anytime of year.

Photos courtesy of Dahan Caterers Washington DC

Moogie from Moogie and Pap's web site suggests using black rice inside a tall glass to stabilize the skewers, but you could easily serve this on a base of seen above of grass, inserting the skewer into the field of green.

Ingredients:

12 cherry tomatoes (stems removed) You can use regular cherry tomatoes or Trader Joe's sells heirloom cherry tomatoes.

12 bocconcine (baby Mozzarella)

2 tablespoons virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasonings

1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions:

1. With a sharp knife, remove the top 1/4 inch of each tomato.

2. Skewer the bottom of each tomato with a large wooden or bamboo skewer. For the most eye-catching presentation, stand the lollipops in tall glasses. (I put black rice inside my glass to help stabilize the lollipops)

3. In a bowl, combine the seasoning and olive oil, and parsley. Drizzle a little over each tomato before serving.