As Christians around the globe celebrate the Easter season, I am often reminded that it is a time of new beginnings. Many Easter rituals and events are rich in history, culture, symbolism and tradition. I love to focus on the food and the stories associated with the rich traditions.
While Easter may be the most important Christian festival of the year, it is also the religious celebration with the widest universal appeal as it is identified with the cyclical return of spring after the darkness of the winter season. This past winter on the east coast was a bit challenging for many as we all moved through the many snow and ice storms. Today, we feel the promise of spring and its new beginnings. I wish each of you, whether you are Christians or not, a Buona Pasqua! ~ Happy Easter!
Cook broccoli until tender, blanch in cold water to stop the cooking process, and drain. In a skillet, saute garlic in olive oil. In a large bowl, add chopped broccoli, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and pine nuts. Toss well and serve at room temperature.
We refer to this dish as “the salad” and serve it on each celebrated holiday.
After writing and self-publishing “MaMa Mia Cucina” in 2007, Cynthia's writing, cooking and culinary teachings evolved into being as an entity surrounding food, fun, family and friends.
In an effort to capture her family’s ‘old world’ Italian recipes for future generations to enjoy, her grandmother, ‘Noni’, and Cynthia joined forces. "She measured, I wrote, and we cooked."
During her grandmother's latter 80 years, she traveled in memory through her life, as they shared in stories of a lifetime and long ago. As they shared this final chapter in her life, what Cynthia soon discovered through all of the measuring, cooking, sharing in the love of a family, and in the love of a friendship, was the passion for cooking, and a love that nourishes us all… It’s all about the FOOD!
