In most cities of the western world, mealtime is a rushed affair and families are off in all directions, rarely spending more than a few minutes together. In Italy, however, enjoying life with family and friends is the focus of every day, with one-to-two hour lunches. During the time it takes to casually consume a two to three course meal, most businesses are shut down, banks close, and the streets are empty. Around 2 o’clock, people start to emerge into the streets again until around 7:30 when it is time for dinner, followed by evening walks or social engagements.
How different from our short lunch breaks, often taken at our desk or in the company cafeteria, with our eye constantly on the time to ensure we aren’t late returning to work. Even when we’re at home in our off-work hours, we hurry through our meals, getting the kids or ourselves to extra-curricular activities, shopping or running errands. When we are entertaining special guests our one-course meals tend to be devoured in 20 minutes. What stressful and unhealthy lives we are leading!
Why not follow the example of the Italian people and plan a scrumptious and casual evening for family and friends. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming as there are many popular entrees and desserts that can be prepared easily or even bought ready for the oven. But most of all, what you will give to yourself and your guests is an unhurried, conversation-filled, peaceful and meaningful evening that you will all remember for a long time.
Here’s a great recipe for Italian Meatball and Cheese Tortellini Soup, a great starter dish that’s made in minutes.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 2 quarts beef stock
- 1 12 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup each of green beans and diced carrot
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound frozen, cooked Italian-style meatballs, thawed
- 1 pound fresh cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat; cook the onion and garlic in the melted butter until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour the beef stock into the pot; add the tomatoes, green beans, carrot, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the meatballs and tortellini; return to a boil and cook another 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top each with about 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese to serve.
For your main course, try this delicious Italian chicken pasta, which needs minimum preparation and can keep warm in a 200F oven while you are eating your soup.
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 lb asparagus, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 8 chopped sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 3/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breasts halves, cut into 1/2" strips
- 3/4 cup non-fat ricotta
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves; chopped
- 2 tbsp low-fat sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook asparagus, tomatoes, garlic, bell pepper and onion in broth in 10" skillet for five minutes. Stir in chicken and cook, stirring constantly until asparagus is crisp-tender and chicken is no longer pink in center. Stir in spaghetti and remaining ingredients. Toss about 30 seconds or until heated through. Pour into a pretty casserole dish that can go in the oven to keep warm. This serves six so you may have to double the ingredients if you are serving a bigger crowd.
Purchase a couple of bags of Caesar salad ingredients and garlic buns from your supermarket, and you’ve got a complete meal.
If your city has an Italian bakery, you can choose from a great variety of cookies and cakes. Biscotti is also enjoyed by dunking it in your wine! Tiramisu is a well-known delicious dessert that’s found in supermarket freezer sections as well. If you want to make your own, there are many recipes available at http://www.mangiabenepasta.com/desserts.html.
Turn down the lights in your dining area, using candlelight to illuminate your dinner. Play modern Italian music in the background, such as that of Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, or flash back to the past with entertainers of Italian heritage such as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Allow for lots of conversation and linger over each course before bringing out the next. You and your guests will emerge from your dinner relaxed and satisfied and your reputation as a very talented hostess will be enhanced!
