Inspirations from Italy
by Maggie Davis

Italians have the advantage of a wonderful Mediterranean climate. And in nearly every city and town are greenhouses and plots planted with tomatoes, artichokes, all kinds of greens, onions, garlic and fruits. Italians take their food seriously. It’s not an afterthought. They shop early and look for local, seasonal, fresh foods from which they create simple and elegant dishes. The visual cue of colorful produce and fresh fish provide a palate of ingredients that seem to combine seamlessly with local seasonings and local wines.

It’s a treat for me to select my own plate of grilled vegetables in a trattoria or to pick the fish that will be grilled or roasted whole and presented to me at the table. I can tell from the clear eyes on the fish that it has been freshly caught.

Food is an integral part of Italian culture. Italians take their food very seriously. They may savor their espresso standing in a cafeteria or a snack bar and consume it quickly on their way to work or they may sip their cappuccino slowly while they watch the world go by. They may buy a quick slice of pizza or they may enjoy a multicourse dinner with friends and family in a trattoria. In general, they seem to give their full attention to the food and beverages they consume. They seem to derive more enjoyment from a smaller portion than most Americans I know.

On the island of Capri I saw many an elderly woman pulling her wheeled shopping cart up and down the mountains in early morning, full of fresh food for her to prepare that same day. On the same roads and footpaths one sees tourists stopping to catch their breath as they climb the same mountains. Purposeful energy expenditure helps manage weight…

Menus that I have seen in every part of Italy, North and South, usually feature seasonal and local ingredients. Even pizza is offered with vegetables of the season.  For example, in Naples I sampled Pizza Cynar which was topped with a puree of artichokes as well as artichoke hearts and a small amount of provolone. (I will feature my recipe for Pizza Cynar in an upcoming issue.)

Although we have different foods and can’t always buy local produce we can adopt some of the aspects of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. Why not start by devoting more time to planning what you and your family will eat, seek out the freshest food you can find, prepare it simply and savor it with those you love?