Ecco Pranza!

Most people are bored by a weekend lunch. It's usually just the week's left overs wrapped in sandwich or a diner brunch out after church. However you can make a Saturday or Sunday weekend meal a bit more enjoyable if you follow what the Italians do. Lunch is always a big deal, either elaborate pastas or memorable soups and sandwiches are served with a good wine, fresh baked bread and a vegetable rich salads. You too can create athese lunchtime gems in no time. for yourself or for family.

Frittatas are a wonderful and easy way to begin the afternoon. They are are crisper version of omelets. Instead of folding over the egg mixture , let it cover the entire pan, similar to making a pancake and fry. Flip over every so often so you have two golden sides. The Piedmontese fry them in butter and let the ends get crispy. Parmesan cheese is a good ingredient but you can also add fresh, chopped spinach, or peppers and mushrooms. For meat lovers, try ham or chopped sausage. Serve it with a mixed green salad and toasted Italian bread.

Panini are another good option. If you're lucky (and into the latest gadgets) you already should have a panini grill. Every store, from Williams and Sonoma to Target sells them. They're a take on a hot sandwich press and you can have fun filling paninis with all sorts of cold cuts , cheese and vegetables. The best bread to use is a thin sliced round loaf. It's already cut, with slices about the width of a wafer.Drizzle olive oil on two slices, add any Provolone or Parmesan, along with a good prociutto or salami, sliced tomatoes and grill. You can nix the cheese for a more healthier sandwich.

Soups are another big part of pranza or the midday meal. Pasta e fagioli is big with the Napolitans. This is a pasts and bean soup where elbow macaroni or ditaliniis are traditionally blended with chicken broth, tomato juice or pureed ones along with celery, onions and beans. The recipe varies from family to family and restaurant to restaurant. Italian wedding soup, a phenomenal melange of chicken stock, spinach and meatballs is another good luncheon treat. Go to any recipe site and download both soup recipes.

Pranza is always an important meal in any Italian household, from Lombardy to Calabria. It's time to make it an important weekend one at your house as well.