Italian Lovers

We have visitors in our midst... Big P's cousin from Italy is here for a month of touring the U.S. and celebrating his recent marriage. Cugino and his bride are both lovely people; well educated, funny and truly a joy to spend time with. The added bonus is the secret glimpses we get into their everyday Italian lifestyle. A lifestyle where family, love and food are all treated with equal respect and devotion.

One early August evening finds us outside in Auntie's blooming garden with Cugino's closest 80 or so relatives, all congratulating the two on their wedded bliss. This house party is like none you will find in the typical American home. The food, of course is ridiculous, a colossal centerpiece big enough to end world hunger and still maybe have a snack for later. Home cooked, homegrown, and humble in its fabulousness, there is no meal that is better than one created by several generations of family. This is the typical expectation of an Italian party, but as I circulate among my adopted family, I take note of the peripheral activities.

One corner of the bluestone patio is carved out with a bocce court. The kids all take turns making their own games; older cousins supervising and trying to keep order while the youngsters narrowly avoid concussing someone with the palino. Each child is included, all whims are vocalized, and harmoniously incorporated. The United Nations could learn something here. When the games get old they will all tear around the house at raceway speeds, until finally, the gas will give out and pajamas are grudgingly put on.

Nonnas are gathering the little, sleepy bundles up and making their way to comfortable chairs and corners under the fig trees. Each child gets undivided attention and love from whoever may be holding them, and maybe a special lullaby sung in a language not from these shores. Who can resist? Eyes close and little breath softens. Nonna is fulfilled, Mom and Dad have a quiet respite and bambino has sweet dreams.

An aging Romeo is making his way around the courtyard, dispensing gardenia blossoms picked from a tree to all the young moms. The courtly gesture makes us feel pretty and girlish, and restores his memory of the glory days. His envious compagni down a shot of grappa to his health- salute! One bella-mama tucks the blossom into her decolletage... ah, that catches her husband's eye and a quick wink confirms his love. The Italians are nothing if not lovers...

Lovers of food which is enjoyed as a primal gift for the senses. Lovers of family as the center of all that is good and right in this world. Lovers of romance as the thread to tie this package together and make it worth opening up in the first place. Do yourself a favor: channel some Italian love in your home tonight. It will be worth it, I promise.

Couscous to the rescue!

It has been more time between posts than I would like and I am placing the blame on Mother Nature. It is so hard for me to get past the overpowering laziness of late July weather in New England. Shuttling between the frosty cool, indoor air and the heavy, hot blanket of our humid outdoors is frankly exhausting. And after a day at the salon bleaching blonde's and supervising the creation of green mohawks, the last question I want to hear when I get home is "What are we doing for dinner?"

How about ordering out? Or letting Little P. fend for himself why I collapse on the couch with a cold, wet drink of something sporting a parasol? No... one of the better qualities of having this insolent Scottish blood is the pride that forces me to put on my "big girl britches" when times are tough and get up and get back to reality. So I compromise by spending approximately 15 minutes of time preparing a cold centerpiece dish and supplement with any of the fantastic options made available with our grill.

Grilling is easy on your sapped energy, and every protein, vegetable or fruit source can be worked to magical results. If your skills need a refresher, the Internet has more grilling web pages than I could count. The one tool I would personally recommend is a grill wok/vegetable basket. It allows for you to successfully cook those pesky smaller foods that would otherwise fall between the grill slats. So enough espousing about that; what about that centerpiece?

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... couscous! Yes, these little rolled balls of semolina wheat are actually my "superhero" food for the summer. Why? Well they lend themselves to a myriad of flavors, cook quickly (5 minutes) and are delicious served at room temperature. Follow the directions on your quick-cook brand, and while the little pearls sit for their steam, grab a serving bowl.

Now is the fun: pick your ethnic flavor for the evening. French? Sicilian? Tunisian? Oriental? All can be interpreted by chopping and slicing in certain ingredients and finishing with an appropriate dressing. Toss in your cooked couscous last, and place on the table. If you are feeling really rejuvenated you can finish your meal by incorporating your flavors into your grilled items with ethnic sauces or accompaniments. 

Hows that for turning tired into tremendous?!? Although I am still wondering where that parasol punch is.....

SUPERHERO COUSCOUS

YIELD: 3 - 4 servings

Prepare 1 cup dried quick-cook couscous according to package directions

NOTE: I purchase whole grain varieties of couscous

*Choose any mixture of the ingredients from your flavor choice below; chop, shred, slice or crush as necessary to be small enough in size to be compatible with the couscous. Mix ingredients in a serving bowl with their dressing and add in couscous. Fluff to combine and serve.*

FLAVORS OF SICILY

Anise, Capers, Fava (broad) Beans, Garlic, Olives, Red Onion, Tomato, Yellow Raisins, Basil, Lemon Zest, Mint, Italian Parsley, Rosemary, Red Pepper, Sage, Parmesan Cheese: mix with 1/4 cup olive oil & 4 teaspoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar, salt & pepper to taste

FLAVORS OF TUNISIA

Red Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Garlic, Oil-cured Olives, Onion, Tomato, Cinnamon, Cumin, Cayenne, Mint, Flat Leaf Parsley, Tumeric, Pistachios, Yogurt: mix with 1/4 cup olive oil & 4 teaspoons lemon juice, salt & pepper to taste

FLAVORS OF FRANCE:

Asparagus, Garlic, Mushrooms, Shallot, Tomato, White Beans, Dijon Mustard, Flat Leaf Parsley, Tarragon, Thyme, Rosemary, Real Bacon Bits: mix with 1/4 cup olive oil & 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar, salt & pepper to taste

FLAVORS OF THE ORIENT:

Bok Choy, Cabbage, Carrots, Peas, Pea Pods, Scallions, Sprouts, Cayenne, Ginger, Hoison Sauce, Soy Sauce: mix with 3 Tablespoons of sesame oil & 3 teaspoons rice wine vinegar. If using Soy Sauce do not add salt.

FLAVORS OF GREECE:

Capers, Celery, Chickpeas, Cucumber, Currants, Green Pepper, Onion, Olives, Potato, Tomato, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Feta Cheese, Sesame Seeds: mix with 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, 1 clove crushed garlic & 1 Tablespoon plain yogurt, salt & pepper to taste.