An “Italian Muffuletta Sandwich” To Celebrate The Summer Season!

Welcome to the Summer! The summer solstice season is the day that most people in the USA were waiting for! Summer time! The timing of the solstice depends on when the sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator. We notice that the sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming we call summer. The summer solstice (which was yesterday) is the day with the most sunlight during the whole year, (17 hrs) which is why they call this day the longest day of the year.

Did you know? Traditionally, this summer solstice period fell between the planting and harvesting of crops, leaving people who worked the land time to relax. This is why June became the traditional month for weddings. The first (or only) full moon in June is called the 'honey moon' because many believed it was the best time to take honey from beehives.

How will you celebrate the summer season this year? Let’s see, I have some ideas and tips…

The first thing that comes to mind is the beach. Everyone loves the water and especially in the summer heat. A nice cool swim and relaxing on the sand is a fun way to spend a summer day. Oh, and I forgot to tell you, bring plenty of sunscreen and a bottle of water. 

Planting and gardening are also a great way to spend a day in the summer. But remember to use gardening gloves and a big wide brimmed hat. If you are mowing the lawn, do it early in the morning or late evening so the sun and the heat is not that bad. Don’t forget to drink water…always hydrate!

Another idea maybe a camping trip. Plan a camp-out and enjoy the great outdoors whether in a tent or in a cabin in the woods. But don’t forget the natural insect repellent that may come in handy especially with the mosquitoes.

Are you planning a trip to Italy or another country this summer? If you plan on a trip abroad, do make sure you have your passport up to date and that you do some research on the city or country where you are going. Sometimes you can get good deals as to a hotels or airfares.

One of my favorite ideas is to plan a family cook-out. There is nothing as tasty as grilled food with family and friends on a summer evening. I always use Citronella candles to ward off the bugs, plus it adds to the ambiance of the night.

As the temperatures rise and lazy days develop. A great way to relax is with a good book to read. Whether you are at the beach, on your porch, or inside if it is raining, one of the best ways to enjoy a summer day is to read up on some gardening tips, natural health, a romance, or that mystery you wanted to see if you can figure out. One of my favorite authors and friend is, Adriana Trigiani. Her books are always a delight to read and are so delicious that you will not be able to put them down. Among her many books, “The Shoemakers Wife,” “Queen of the Big Time, ”and of course “The Valentine” series. 

Her latest book is called “All The Stars In Heaven.” A romance that took place years ago with the screen stars of that day like Loretta Young, Spencer Tracy, and Clark Gable. A definite must read. Please go to Adriana’s website and see all of her other books she has written to perfection. Adriana made her fist movie which is based on the “Big Stone Gap” series, called “Big Stone Gap.” Funny, intriguing, romantic, and just a wonderful story that you will want to watch it over and over again with your family.   

Another great read is from my friend that has just written her first book, plus she is a crossover classical singer that is awesome. She is the fabulous Romina Arena! Her book is called, “Where Did They Film That? Italy: Famous Film Scenes and Their Italian Locations” (Amazon.com) If you are planning a trip to Italy this is the book for you. This visitor guide will provide a wide array of tips, information, and travel details, that I highly suggest you read. Romina Arena is an award-winning Italian recording artist who has performed before President Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II, and many other world figures. Arena has sold over four million records worldwide and has received many major honors, including a Global Citizenship Award from the United Nations in recognition of her humanitarian support for the children of Haiti. I suggest you not forget your glasses if you need them to read as this is a delightful book and you will not want to miss any part of it.

Lastly, watch the night sky! Go outside after dark and explore the night’s sky from your own backyard. See if you can spot the Big /Little Dipper, the moon, the North Star, or maybe a comet. A good pair of binoculars would help you count the stars.

Now, I would love to hear from you about how you plan to celebrate the summer season? What are your ideas? Going on a trip, a cruise, the beach, or just staying at home. You can comment below and I will post them all on next week’s blog. 
  
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This recipe that I have for you this week is one of my all time favorites. It is "The Italian Muffuletta Sandwich" so simple and easy but it is the best on a hot summers day or night, just enough to cool you off. This recipe is made using the Mudduletta bread filled with meats and cheese. It truly is a great comfort food that people of all ages love. So now let me explain what this sandwich is all about… 

The Muffuletta is both a type of round Sicilian sesame bread and a popular sandwich originating among Italian immigrants in New Orleans, Louisiana using the same bread. A Muffuletta is a large, round, and somewhat flattened loaf with a sturdy texture, around 10 inches across. It is described as being somewhat similar to the focaccia texture. However is different from focaccia, in that it is a very light bread, the outside is crispy, but the inside is soft. It also has no additional seasonings baked into it, aside from the sesame seeds. The bread is more like French bread, but slightly heavier. A traditional-style Muffuletta sandwich consists of a loaf split horizontally and covered with layers of marinated olive salad, mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone. The sandwich is sometimes heated to soften the provolone. Quarter, half, and full-sized Muffulettas are sold. The signature olive salad consists of olives diced with the celery, cauliflower, and carrots found in a jar of giardiniera, seasoned with oregano and garlic, covered in olive oil, and allowed to combine for at least 24 hours. A traditional Muffuletta is usually served cold, but many vendors will toast it. 

“Italian Muffuletta Sandwich”

Multiple layers of thinly sliced meat and cheese with a chopped olive mixture make up a typical Muffuletta. The simplified version of the filling sandwich uses Italian Fontina Cheese and Prosciutto.

**** NOTE: (All these ingredients can be modified to your own preference)

Makes: 6 main dish sandwiches
Prep: 20 mins
Chill: 2 hrs

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh oregano
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
12 slices crusty sourdough bread or Muffuletta Bread
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
6 ounces thinly sliced Italian Fontina or provolone cheese
6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, or mortadella
2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
5 Pepperoncini salad peppers, seeded and thinly sliced

Directions:
In screw-top jar combine olive oil, vinegar, oregano, mustard, and crushed red pepper. Cover; shake well. Set aside. On six of the bread slices layer tomatoes, cheese, prosciutto, basil, and pepperoncini salad peppers. Shake oil mixture. Drizzle oil mixture over top of peppers. Shake oil mixture. Drizzle oil mixture over peppers. Top with remaining six bread slices. Wrap tightly. Place sandwich on a cutting board or tray. Place a shallow baking pan on top of sandwich. Chill up to 2 hours before serving. 




 Till Next Time………………………………..

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