Perhaps you could mention educating folks that "Italian food" doesn't mean "Ronzoni with Ragu." One of my favorite don't-feel-like-cooking meals is whatever pasta I've got in the cabinet with a dab of butter or olive oil, a smashed garlic clove, salt + pepper, MAYBE a leaf or two of basil from the yard. If I'm REALLY tired and Mrs. Blue isn't home, I cut down on dishwashing by eating it right from the pot.
I'll never forget the look I got from my friend's 15-year-old daughter as she asked, "You eat your pasta with no sauce?" |