ITALIA-La Dolce Vita

  

                                                
It was the summer of 1995 and  after begging my parents for years, we were finally off to visit the land where my parents came from, La Bella Italia. My mother was born in Comiso, Sicily. My father's family came from nearby Vizzini, Sicily. I heard a lot of Sicilian spoken at home between my parents, grandparents, and extended family. My maternal grandparents lived less than a mile away from us in Columbia, Maryland and we would visit them several times a week. Every Sunday my grandmother(Nonna Dina), whom I am named after, would cook a full Italian Sunday dinner fit for a king. Sunday mornings in our house meant  wake up and head off to Sunday School, followed by Sunday Dinner, then soccer. The Family is the center of social life in Italy. While the dinner table is the focal point , it is not only about the food. Meals are about relaxing with friends and family.  It is a time to talk and enjoy each other's company. The meal usually consisted of three staples: Pasta, Bolognese(Meat Sauce), and verdure(vegetables). Other accompaniments at our table were usually fresh mozzarella, Salami, Olives, cutlets, and salad as the last course. We very rarely ate desserts in our house. Instead we enjoyed a cheese course and fresh fruit. Sweets were reserved for birthdays and holidays.

                                                          

 

Although I picked up a bit of the Sicilian Dialect heard from my family members, I could only speak a few words. After studying French and Spanish in school,  I knew it was time to learn proper Italian. So off we went on our Roman Holiday; my elder sister Annie, mother, and me. Who knew this would be the most exciting eight weeks of my life. We stayed in a suburban flat about 30 miles outside of Rome. We enrolled in La Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci. The location of the school was ideal. We were blocks away from so many wonderful historical landmarks: The Forum, Pantheon, Colosseum, Piazza Navona, Piazza D'Espana. It was truly surreal to be surrounded by ancient structures that were built over 2000 years ago! When people say that Italians know how to live, they are telling the truth.                            

Italians have perfected the art of enjoying every aspect of life at a slower pace. Nobody rushed around from here to there. They took their time eating meals. The idea of punctuality is truly foreign to Italians. When invited to somebody's house for dinner it is expected that you will arrive a little late. This holds true for every aspect of Italian life. No rushing, no pressure to be on time, no worries. No wonder they are so happy! I was amazed at the beauty of everything and everyone around me. Italians were so elegant and always dressed to perfection.  We did not see shorts, slippers, and sneakers. Casual wear was very rarely seen on anyone over age 8.

                                                                   
 On the weekends we made short trips all around the beautiful Italian Countryside. I will never forget visiting Aunt Enza and Uncle Mario in Milan. Touring the beautiful Duomo Di Milano. Walking around Firenze and soaking in all of the amazing art from the Uffizi Gallery. Seeing  Michelangelo's David in person was something I will never forget, not to mention other famous works of art by great Italian artists such as Botticelli, Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello, just to name a few of the most famous.  Meeting my extended family in La Bella Sicilia was by far my favorite. The week spent with my dear cousins Marco and Monica life changing. They lived in a beautiful home close to the water. I can still remember the fresh air from the Mediterranean as it woke me up during the cool summer mornings. I loved walking into my Aunt Pina's  abundant yard to pick perfectly ripened figs off one of her many fruit trees every evening. I will never forget cousin Marco teaching me Italian at the ripe old age of 7. "Dina, guarda,  questi sonno i fiori gialli." It was such a relaxing routine. Eat, Walk, Swim, Nap, Cook, Eat, Laugh, Sleep, Repeat.  I can't wait to take my girls back one day.

 The Roman Empire which dominated Europe and the Mediterranean  for 500 years reaching from the Middle East to North Africa changed the world as we know it. Because of the Empire's vast extent and long endurance, the institutions and culture of Rome had a profound and lasting influence on the development of language, religion, architecture, philosophy, law, and forms of government in the territory it governed, particularly Europe, and by means of European expansionism throughout the modern world.
                                                                            

The terrain of Italy is just as diverse as its cuisine. From the beautiful mountains of the Italian Alps to the rolling hills of Tuscany, each province of Italy is distinct and unique. From the Norman and Germanic influence in  the northern provinces to the Greek, Arab, and Spanish Influence in the South. The culinary footprint left by these inhabitants can be seen throughout Italy as well.   The northern regions of Italy make heavy use of rice, corn, meats, and cheeses. They also adopted the Germanic/Austrian schnitzel which in Italy is called a cutlet. While the southern provinces use more vegetables, pastas, and seafood they also show influence from Northern Africa in their use of almonds, honey, and spices . This week we will cook several dishes that represent both the North and South. From the North we will cook a traditional Risotto Milanese with Saffron, White Wine,  and Beef Marrow. From the South we will do a Sicilian Spaghetti Alla Norma with Eggplant, Plum Tomatoes, Red Chiles, Garlic, and fresh ricotta. Also from Sicily, a traditional Orange Salad with Olives, Peppers, and Red Onions.  Lastly, from Tuscany, we will prepare Spinaci Alla Fiorentina-Spinach Florentine Style with nutmeg, pecorino, and garlic in a belsamella (béchamel)sauce. Buon Appetito!

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