Whenever we are struck with a sentiment, we are fond of saying in jest, “…it’s a good thing that we are not emotional…” The truth is that the slightest nod sets us off and indeed our emotions are on high alert at this time of the year.

A dear friend of mine goes to stores that have Lay-A-Way programs and offers to pay the balances on gifts for people she will never know. She does it un-announced and un-heralded. She does it for the sheer joy of doing something that grows her heart. She stirs my emotions and inspires my thoughts.

As we cozy into our eves and brighten into our days, remember and hold dear these emotional rises. They hold lessons that are as undeniable as a child’s trust…

To give is better than to receive.
No matter how tough we think we have it, we are the lucky ones.
Our abundance comes with a responsibility to share.

Remember especially that feelings can’t be bought nor can they be sold. But they are there for the taking and they do mean a “…great deal more…”.

Whatever your holiday, hold the idea of it sacred and share it’s meaning with your family and friends.

…merry all…jingle and joy…peter

As such, every season has its centerpiece dishes. Winter is a perfect time for hot, robust meals in varied combinations…and a favorite for years, has been escarole and pepperoni soup, an odd combination that has an ability to ward off advancing chills and calm feverish thoughts. Simple preparation is key and ingredients are substitutable with others only at the peril of sacrificing the rich and abundant taste that the original recipe will deliver. I do not know how or when pepperoni got into this basic Italian chicken soup. Speculation points towards “…it was there, so i threw it in…”. Whatever the circumstances, the results are terrific. This is fast food at its best.

A word about chicken broth…For this, I use College Inn, full strength, sodium loaded. Yes, I know about the dire consequences of salt intake and I understand the benefits of healthy eating and mostly I follow those tenants. However, when I need what this particular brand of canned liquid delivers, that’s what I need. Feel free to substitute your home-made broth or reduced sodium brand or any other choice that feels right to you.

A word about pasta…it’s spelled de Cecco…period. Yes, I will use others when a particular shape is needed and not available. But I know exactly what I am sacrificing when I do that. de Cecco cooks right, can be dialed into exactly the al dente I so prize, and, to my taste is the best boxed pasta available. The choice of pastas is yours as well, but always use a small type, the larger pastas will totally dominate this soup and the resultant loss of presentation isn’t acceptable in polite company.

A word about pepperoni…use Margarita Brand. There are a gazillion brands out there. In many cases there might be better eating pepperoni sticks than this. However, in this soup, use this brand the first time, understand what flavors it adds to the mix, then experiment in subsequent outings.

A word about garlic…it’s a matter of taste. But don’t be afraid to use copious amounts here as it mellows in the process.

That’s it. Could it be simpler? Let me know how it works for you.

Peter de Caprio