I have a confession to make, as a child I thought canned soups were the ultimate. Not all soups mind you, there were a few favorites and Progresso Chickarina was definitely at the top of the list. Chickarina soup, with those tasty tiny meatballs was so different than any homemade soup I was accustomed to. I mean tiny meatballs in chicken broth with diced carrots, celery and pasta pearls – come on, it had to be good. Although prepared foods were certainly the rage in many households at the time, my Mom never relied on them. For some reason Progresso products were viewed as being acceptable; it wasn’t difficult to understand that the name, Progresso was an Italian name representing something familiar….
Lentil Soup – Zuppa di Lenticchie
Every culture has symbolic rituals surrounding the beginning of a new year, most of which focus on good health and prosperity; Italians are no different. New Year’s Eve marks a special celebration for Italian families; whether referred to as La Festa di San Silvestro, Sera di Capo di Anno or simply Trent ‘Uno – food is center stage. Family and friends gather round the table to recall the blessings of the past year while looking ahead optimistically. There are regional specialties typical of local areas, but most Italian celebrate with one important ingredient, lentils. The tiny round legumes symbolize coins and are a sign of good fortune in the year to come; it is said that the more you eat, the richer you will become. More often than not, the lentil dish includes cotechino, a large sausage, or a zampone, stuffed pig’s trotter representing the richness of life in the coming year.
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Gemelli with Greens & Mushrooms – Gemelli con Verdure e Funghi
Ask any Italian American who grew up on the east coast what their most comforting winter dish is, a bowl of pasta of course. With the days becoming shorter and cold weather setting in a steaming bowl of pasta at the table is like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Winter pasta doesn’t have to be ladened with a rich slow simmered ragu to be gratifying. Gemelli with Greens & Mushrooms is sure to hit the spot for all of those hearty appetites.
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Cavatappi with Butternut Squash – Cavatappi con la Zucca
Traditions, they bring us together as a family and a community; they provide comfort in times when life seems a bit overwhelming. Food is an integral part of tradition in every culture, especially at holiday time. Remembering our visits to the East Coast over the years, La Levitt so looked forward to the lasagna with tiny meatballs from one grandmother and brisket with a secret sauce from the other; the culinary traditions of two cultures….
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