I just finished reading Bon Appetit’s fall issue, and couldn’t get out of my head this short half page article about the beauty of Italian cooking. Though it was obvious the piece was both an introduction and directional to the ways of Italian cooking, there was a very real editorial influence to the piece; almost a plea to the cook to, in spite of the reality of many of our economic situations, to not let that be a hindrance in our providing and sharing.
That being said, the author also came up with “7 Rules” that we should abide by. Because I guess we all have a little Italian in us?
Pay Attention: Notice what foods in our area are seasonal, local. “In Italy, the kind of cooking that chooses the local over the exotic is faithful to the seasons and wastes nothing.”
Love the Leftovers: (obviously, I am my father’s daughter): “Just about anything can live happily in a frittata.”
Keep It Simple: “Let the ingredients speak for themselves.” Don’t overcomplicate cooking.
Taste and Savor: I think my family did an incredible job of doing this the meals I actually sat for more than 15 minutes when I was growing up. I see that importance now, when my mom sets up our tables in the back yard with candles and piles the dishes on this huge farm table, that we sit, catch up, and enjoy that time over a meal that is removed from our crazy lives.
Cook Creatively: “There is comfort in working with the most humble ingredients, and pleasure in being resourceful in whatever is at hand.” How much do we love those nights when a meal turns out great and we aren’t able to remember exact measurements of things?
Grow Something: Regardless of if we have land or not, we all know that produce, meat, etc. just tastes better when you know who and where it came from…
Practice Generosity: (loved this) “Now, more than ever, we need to eat together. Whatever there is to eat, it’s enough to go around. We come together at the table not because of what we do have, but despite of what we don’t.”
“So let’s just pretend we’re Italian. I say this in all seriousness: Why not use these trying times as an opportunity – or an invitation – to do something we have to do anyway (namely, eat) with all the grace, simplicity, enthusiasm, and generosity of spirit we can muster?” – Lori De Mori Bon Appetit
