California Here We Come!

Ever since Lucy and Ricky drove cross country with Fred and Ethel, while belting out “California Here We Come” the Golden State has been a bucket list destination for many people growing up in America during the 60s, 70s and 80s.

My family absolutely loves visiting California. Much of the reason revolves around the fact that our favorite people live there—-my cousins Johnny and Linette. The perfect weather, beaches and carefree lifestyle immediately enraptures visitors into major vacation mode upon arrival. Everyone in my family jumps at the chance to go west whenever we have the opportunity. We all have old friends who live there and it’s always such a blast catching up with them while we are there.

Even though some of my all-time favorite restaurants are found in California, my cousins Linette and Johnny serve up some of the best fare right in their beautiful home. Before the Pacific Ocean and mountains beckoned them west decades ago, these two Italians grew up with really good food in Bergen County, NJ. They know how to eat.

My cousins entertain more than a fair amount of houseguests throughout the year, mainly because they are among the most warmhearted and good-natured people in the world. They happen to live in LA but even if they made their home in podunk USA, friends and family would still flock to see them simply because they are wonderful and a whole lot of fun.

Certain people radiate genuine warmth and hospitality and my cousin Linette is one of them. I seriously don’t think she’s ever lost a friend. Linette truly knows how to welcome people into her home. And Johnny is just the best guy around.

Whenever we get in late, Linette has the perfect meal prepared. The minute we step into their home, the fragrant aroma wafting from the simmering pot of Italian wedding soup lures us directly into the kitchen. There’s also a warm loaf of crusty bread and an overflowing bowl of arugula, shaved Parmesan, red onion and cherry tomatoes all lightly dressed with EVOO, fresh lemon juice and salt and pepper.

After a day of travel, I find this meal to hit the spot. It’s not too heavy especially since most of Johnny and Linette’s guests come from “Back East” as they like to call us. Our minds and bodies are three hours ahead of LA time so it could feel like two in the morning once we are ready to eat. Another great thing about this meal is that the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.

Linette’s Italian Wedding Soup

1. Slice and sauté 3 carrots and 1onion in EVOO

2. Add dried oregano, basil and parsley

3. Add about six cloves of chopped garlic

4. Add a can of diced or crushed tomatoes (I like Tuttorosso)

5. Reduce down (about 10 minutes)

6. Add 3 boxes of organic chicken broth. Have another box on hand

7. Bring to a low boil

8. Make mini chicken meatballs: add some garlic powder, dried oregano and parsley, Parmesan, salt and white pepper to about 1 lb of organic ground chicken

9. Drop mini chicken meatballs into the soup

10. Add about a tablespoon of sherry and about 2 tablespoons of white wine

11. Add 1/2 lb of orzo and cook. (If you want more of a heartier stew, use a full lb of orzo. You will need some of the 4th box of chicken broth)

12. Turn off heat. Add a can of rinsed kidney beans and fresh spinach. Taste and adjust with more salt. A little Parmesan cheese tops it off nicely.

Delicious!

We awaken in the morning to Linette’s perfectly prepared “California breakfast”

This consists of Greek yogurt topped with homemade or just really good granola, fresh berries or peaches with a drizzle of local honey. Perfect in California of any other place.

**my go-to granola recipe is from Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, CA

In my ever so humble opinion, if you are going to invite people to stay in your home, you are responsible for their happiness. If you are not up to the task, send them to a nearby hotel. I find three to four days is the perfect visit. I never want to overstay the welcome because we want to be invited back.

***This was written before my cousin Johnny passed away. I decided not to change the tense and keep it as it was originally written. People didn’t just like Johnny. They loved him. He truly was the greatest guy in the world. My family and I will continue to treasure every single wonderful memory of this extraordinary man. In my mind, I will always hear his voice saying, “Hi Honey” whenever he saw me. A teddy bear of a man, Johnny was not afraid to tell the people in his world how much he loved them. He couldn’t hug and kiss his three grown sons enough. I don’t believe a day passed by without him telling his wife Linette how beautiful she looked. We are all better for having known him. See you at the party Johnny!