Quick, easy Italian-inspired appetizers

There are still a few weeks left of summer entertaining, here are a few easy appetizer ideas with an Italian inspiration.

Quick Italian-Marinated Green Beans

1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
2 springs chopped fresh oregano
1/2 c. white wine vinegar
1 small onion finely chopped onion
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 pound green beans
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, if desired.

In a large bowl with lid, place parsley, basil, oregano, vinegar, onion, garlic and vinegar in it.  Let marinade for roughly ten minutes or so - set aside.

In a medium sauce pan or pot over, add water and salt generously - place on stove over medium heat.  Snap off ends of green beans and drop them into water to set color (roughly 30 seconds).  Drain and add warm green beans to herb mixture and cover.  Shake gently to stir ingredients around.  Marinade for at least one hour or overnight if perferred.

Right before serving, mix in olive oil and place on serving platter.  Top with remaining herbs in bowl and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese as a garnish.  Enjoy.

Salami Pepperoncini Roll-ups

1 container herbed cream cheese, softened
Sliced salami
Sliced pepperonicini peppers, drained

Spread roughly 2 tsp. cream cheese onto a slice of salami, and place a slice of pepperoncini on on side, fold over and skewer with a toothpick to hold in place.