How Italian Food Defines You, Your Family, and Your Ethnicity - Essay Example

The main entre can either be poultry, fish, or meat. A side dish of salad or vegetables rounds out the meal. After a beverage, predominantly wine, a decadent dessert is also consumed. And always, conversation and laughter dominate the family table.Many Italian-Americans still keep the Vatican custom of seven fishes served on New Year's Eve, including squid, eels, and conch. The traditional meal on Easter is lamb. Of course, all meals are accompanied by a pasta side dish.Since gorgonzola, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses were first made by Italians, these dairy products are incorporated into just about all Italian fare.

To discuss Italian culture and food, we have to include the topic of all-American pizza. USA pizza is different from Italian pizza in that pizza served in Italy has less cheese, and the crust is thin as paper. In Italy, eating and cooking foods are considered gifts for the body that also nourish the soul. It is definitely a labor of love.The New York Times published an article stating that it is as important how we eat as opposed to what we eat. That could be a lesson in cooking. When Italians dine, they take their time eating.

They have a relationship with food. Mealtimes with the family are almost sacred. The conversation at the table strengthens the bond of family. Eating slowly is a great benefit. The stomach senses the food has reached it, and the hunger feeling is shut off.Italians also lead active lives. Cars are not allowed in many Italian town centers. Therefore, walking is necessary. Most residents are walkups without elevators. Most importantly, portion sizes are much smaller in Italy. Even though most Italians consume pasta daily, it's only one of many courses in a typical Italian repast.

Consumption of pasta may be as much as four times greater than in the United States; however, less pasta is eaten at one sitting for Italians than the Americans who consume it maybe once or twice weekly.Italians are passionate people..with food, family, friendships, and laughter. "Una giornata senza riso e una giornata sprecata.""A day without laughter is a wasted day."I