The Happy Vacationers (Gli Allegri Vacanzieri) and Tomato Sauce

Children breathing in the requisite mountain air.

When we arrived in Cerro Veronese at the end of May, the houses nearby were vacant.  But in July the population of the village quintupled.  There was increased traffic, people and noise.  The ubiquitous scooter could be heard zipping up and down our hill day and night. Italians believe that for children to grow strong and healthy, they need to spend a month in the mountains and a month at the seaside each summer.  Their lungs need the purified air of the mountains and the salty breezes of the sea. Considering Italy’s geography and topography, this goal is relatively easy to accomplish.

I was thrilled when Maria appeared in the house across the lane.  She had golden curls piled on top of her head, big brown eyes, big hoop earrings and red, red lips that were always smiling.  She heralded me from her balcony one day, a plump baby in her arms. Together we went on walks up the hill and down and up into the village.  Maria was staying in her in-laws cottage.  She was there alone the first few weeks and we became friends.  Once her mother-in-law arrived, she was less available.

One day, I went over to her house with the children.  While they entertained her baby, she taught me how to make gnocchi and basic tomato sauce.  I don’t often make the gnocchi these days but I still remember the tomato sauce. It’s easy and tasty.

SUGO AL POMODORO

In a large sauce pan put:

A large can of plum tomatoes. (San Marzano tomatoes are probably best)

A stalk of celery

A large carrot cut in pieces

A medium onion cut in large pieces.

A chicken bouillon cube.

Bring to a boil and then simmer gently for a half hour to forty-five minutes to an hour?

Put through a Moulinex food mill or a food processor.  I like to keep it a little thick. 

Taste and add salt and pepper as you like.  Sometimes a teaspoon of sugar does the trick.  And of course you could add some tasty herbs while it’s cooking!