How do you surprise the people on your holiday list with a great new gift. I have an excellent gift that has worked for me many times. Italian gift baskets are the perfect solution! Whether you buy them or make them, they provide excellent variety and are a sure hit with any friend or family member. You can be really creative with what you put in the baskets and how your decorate them. Here is how to create a memorable gift basket.

A salami variety pack makes for an easy gift basket! You can choose anything from pepperoni to Calabrese to Sopressata salami. These Italian meats provide a perfect gift for those friends and family who love cooking! Try to include some easy pasta recipes that use any one of these salamis. You’re giving them not only new recipes, but also the ingredients to cook with. That’s a 2 for 1 deal!

Here is another gift basket idea. Assemble a gift basket that has all the ingredients for an authentic Italian meal! Some examples of what to include are: Rotola, Genova salami, marinara, Rotola, breadsticks and a variety of cheese. If a friend needs to throw a quick meal together, this basket contains every ingredient for an Italian meal. Try to include some pasta recipes in the basket!

Another easy basket to create is an appetizer gift basket! Antipasto, an authentic Italian appetizer, is a combination of small snack-sized bites that are meant to prepare you for the main course. This is a potpourri of salami, cheese and crackers! Branch out and be creative with this basket’s ingredients. Depending upon what your friend or family member likes, cater the basket to their liking. Or, you can create a “variety pack” by adding in different types of Italian meats such as salami, pepperoni, Basil Rotola or Sopressata. Appetizers are great for any party or get together! You have all the items you need at your fingertips!

Finally, here is a gift basket idea that will go great with any Italian gift basket: a Salami and wine gift set. Pairing salami with the right type of wine can really bring out the flavors of your favorite Italian meats. Sanigovese wines are created wtih subtle flavors that complement specialty cured meats. Wine salami, which is salami infused with high quality wine, is an excellent addition to the basket!

Now that you know the basis of how to create any number of gift baskets, problem solved. Each basket will give your friends and family an authentic taste of Italy.