It happened once every April. My mom, dad, two brothers and my mom's mom got together around the table for the one meal that stood apart from all others that year. This grubfest is called Easter Brunch.
My brothers and I were raised Roman Catholic by our parents, whom were both brought up with strong Italian American heritage. This is the most important holiday to the Catholics, which is why their celebrations are so full of decadence. My immediate family remained pretty health conscious throughout the year so brunch was much anticipated.
After the usual 10:30 mass we would head back home, undo our ties and help get the table ready for our celebration. My mother would open up the armoire and take out her yellow and pink Spring floral china. Each plate, napkin and coffee mug were meticulously placed. We usually said some kind of prayer as well as an acknowledgement of thanks for everyone being able to be together. We all recongized and cherished the love and warmth around that table.
Politely but eagerly everyone worked their way around the table. On our plates we'd pile everything from zucchini quiche and fresh fruit salad to green olives and hard boiled eggs. In the middle of the table was a plate of fresh cold cuts and cheeses, which were all neatly fanned out. On it was salami, capicola and prosciutto surrounded by chunks of gorgonzola, feta and fontina. The feature of the meal was always my mother and grandmother's Easter Pena, which is a sweet white bread with a golden brown crust. A few loaves were frozen to be eaten later, but it never tasted the same.
After gorging ourselves we'd sit around sipping coffee with empty plates and full stomachs. My father would ask questions and sometimes discuss family matters with us (not the T.V. show). We would just sit around, digest and enjoy each other's company because that's what's important. That hour and half every spring was just us. The memories of those brunches will be with me forever.
4 comments:
This was a very interesting blog, and one that I can relate to, also having several special family meals every year. I liked the history that was provided about the event, and I also liked the amount of detail that was included about the preparations and food. I was a little interested in the 'immediate family', and you might consider going into a little more detail about who is in your immediate family.
Beautifully descriptive. I almost felt like I was there at the brunch table, too. Your recall is definitely detailed and in my opinion adequate of what a recall should be. Ending seemed rather abrupt and the moral seemed rushed but other than that, Easter brunch sounds like bliss.
Ok so apparently my first comment didn't get posted. If so, oopsie doodle for leaving another one.
I thought this was a beautiful description of a somewhat casual event. The listing of food made me feel like i was there--and a little hungry.
If anything, the ending seemed abrupt and the moral rushed. Other than that, I find your Easter brunch to be perfect.
You went in to detail about what was served for brunch, but not the taste or your appreciation for the taste. Appreciation for the situation as a whole was covered quite well.
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