Leftovers

The day after. Exhausted but thrilled with the holiday in our home, we have the host's advantage of filling up on the delicious leftover dishes that we couldn't possibly eat enough of yesterday.

I write today, the day after Easter, as a follow up to my previous post. Not only was the holiday fusion a perfect success but I learned so much more in the process. Enough to want to share the joys and the nuances of family with you.

Each dish that you create and serve to your special guests has meaning. My first note: Something new at the table becomes a conversation that will lead to laughter and inspiration. My pasta recipe from Naples paired with the "Sounds of Italy" CD from Bed, Bath & Beyond I had playing throughout brunch both sparked interesting conversations. We spoke about my brother-in-law who currently lives in Naples; how Italian music always makes us want to eat and drink wine; and how we all imagined that we were sitting in a small village in Tuscany at that very moment! It was wonderful to see everyone enjoy things that way.

Secondly: The classics will add a comfort that family members count on. The Easter meat pie was a hit and compelled us all to want to call my grandmother to thank her. (A conversation including Mema is always a positive addition to a meal!) Also, my ham recipe was complimented by everyone. Ham is an important staple but the flare of the fig balsamic glaze along with the care and attention it took to get it just right, was truly appreciated. It had to be my favorite item for that reason.

Finally (and most importantly): The loved ones that come together at the table are a far more important ingredient than any glaze, meat, music, candlelight hue or linens. The opportunity to talk, relax and be silly is the best holiday...any day of the year.

So, for the next 48 hours, we will feast on leftovers at our house but the satisfaction and joy of the mealtime will last forever.