Feeding Them Some Culture

Once in a while, runaway from convention. Run far away.

Don't be satisfied with 'just spaghetti'--- go out of your way to find linguine, which looks like a split fettucinne, so there seems to be more effort to it.

Frown at canned or tetra-packed sauces. Scout for real tomatoes and blanch them, then manage to smile when you get scalded from peeling them.

For once, say NO to meat. No hotdogs or hams or bacon... no ground whatever. No meat, not even a bouillon.

Instead, try some capers--- they have fooled me time and again. It has a mysteriously meat-y texture and taste to it, yet it looks like a harmless bud nipped too early from the plant. Capers are absolutely delicious!

Olives should be seen more often than just on pizza. They are healthy enough to enjoy more than thrice a day. Notice how pizza houses don't throw in any olives into their pasta dishes? It's a shame.

This is your game plan on the next long afternoon you'll have with your kids. Tell them that fastfoods don't even come close to what pasta should really be like. Show them that culture is something you cannot short cut. Lastly, make them feel that they deserve something that can't be bought from some take-out counter.

Bon apetit!