'Tis the Season for Delicious Appetizers from Margherita®

LISLE, Ill., Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Searching for the perfect menu items to welcome your holiday guests? These simple and delicious appetizers from Margherita combine a festive array of fresh Italian flavors. The crowd-pleasing recipes will be the star of your table, with delectable Margherita Genoa Salami, savory Prosciutto and tasty Pepperoni.

For a fast, easy and delicious hot appetizer, try these Italian Stuffed Mushrooms. Plump cremini mushrooms are a perfect bite-sized portion, overflowing with provolone cheese, fresh red bell peppers and savory bites of finely chopped Margherita® Pepperoni. Total preparation time is 35 minutes, and the recipe serves 12. Find the full recipe here:

http://margheritameats.com/recipe/italian-stuffed-mushrooms 

How about a fresh take on an old favorite? Use thinly sliced Margherita Genoa Salami shaped into a rosette to hold a cream cheese mixture with the tang of capers and a hint of fresh basil. Add a sweet garnish and pop of color with a cherry tomato. For 12 servings, the total time is just 20 minutes. The recipe can be found online here:

http://margheritameats.com/recipe/salami-rosettes 

Give your guests a sweet and savory delight with this recipe for Prosciutto and Melon. Top juicy portions of cantaloupe or honeydew melon with thinly sliced Margherita Prosciutto and a blend of fresh Italian seasonings to create this easy appetizer. The recipe serves 6, in a total preparation time of 20 minutes. Follow this link for the recipe:

http://margheritameats.com/recipe/prosciutto-and-melon 

"These signature recipes from Margherita are the perfect starter for any celebration," said Elizabeth Di John, Brand Manager, Margherita. "They are easy to prepare, beautiful on the table, and best of all - full of delicious Italian flavors the whole family will enjoy. From our family to yours, we wish you a holiday season filled with joy and good food."

Margherita offers a diverse array of products to enjoy year-round. With fine Italian Meat products from pepperoni to prosciutto, there is always a reason for every season and meal to experience Margherita.

To view all the recipes and more information about Margherita, visit www.Facebook.com/MargheritaMeats or check them out on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/margheritameats.

About John Morrell Food Group
With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour^®, Eckrich^®, John Morrell^®, Curly's^®, Patrick Cudahy^®, Carando^®, Healthy Ones^®, Margherita^®, Kretschmar^® and LunchMakers^®.

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, John Morrell®, Kretschmar®, Curly's®, Carando®, Margherita®, and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.

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SOURCE John Morrell Food Group

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