Cook we must

 During this apparently endless quarantine that has taken nefarious political implications, I more that usual take respite and consolation in cooking Italian dishes. Please bear with me when I assert the supremacy of Italian food not only for it's diversity and healthfulness but because of it sublime flavor. As Luigi Barzini writes in his The Italians, French cuisine  challenges nature and thusly create all sorts of ridiculous plates such as  pressed duck etc., Italian cuisine celebrates nature. Naturally, in order to pull this culinary miracle only the best and finest ingredients must be used, something at times difficult outside Italy, but when one finds the right stuff the results are heavenly. Therefore, buon appetito.