You are cordially invited to Claudia Wildman’s Ancient Roman Dinner Party…

Location ; Claudia’s home

Date ; December 1, 2011

Time ; 3:00pm.

Theme ; Ancient Rome

It is requested that you wear proper Roman attire, such as (tunics… togas.. etc.)

Guests :

Aemilia K. Pennington

Paula S. Pennington

Balbina Cline

Servius Stuart

Publius Poling

Spartacus Scott

Octavia Gregg

Albina Truman

Trtia Smallwood

Bernice Fitzwater

courses..

course one –

          The first course will consist of a simple, yet delectable lettuce-based Roman salad, topped with fresh almonds, olives, and cucumbers. It will also be served with a side of vinegar-based dressing.

course two –

          As a second appetizer, you will be served stuffed oysters, seasoned with perfectly ground pepper. A side of cooked parsnips will also be served along with this appetizer.

course three –

          Next, a thick, yet rich onion flavored chowder will be served to you. This course will come with a variety of delicious cheeses, in which you can select to add to your chowder.

course four –

          For the main course, you will be served a scrumptious lobster dinner, seasoned with garlic, and topped with flakes of parsley. This dish will be accompanied by a side of broccoli and beans.

course five –

          As for the second main dish, you will be served a freshly caught Flounder, seasoned with salt and topped with parsley flakes. A thin slice of soft, white bread will accompany your poultry. You will also have the choice of a garlic seasoning.

course six –

          For dessert, you will receive stuffed dates, served with the sweetest and freshest fruits available mixed in a honey syrup.

course seven-

          For the final dessert dish, you will be served a delicious honey-soaked cake, topped with diced pomegranates, and almonds roasted to perfection.

Education in Italy.

Education in Italy is required from age six, to sixteen and is divided into five stages: kindergarten (scuola dell'infanzia), primary school (scuola primaria), lower secondary school  (scuola secondaria di primo grado), upper secondary school (scuola secondaria di secondo grado), and university (università). Italy also has both private, and public school systems.  

     There are three years of kindergarten, or nursery school, although they are non-compulsory. Then, primary school contains five years. Until middle school, each student is given the same curriculum. All subjects are studied the same. All students receive a basic education Italian, English, Mathematics, Biology, Geology, History, Geography, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Visual and Musical Arts.

     Secondary education has two stages: a lower stage and an upper stage. The lower stage corresponds to middle school, and the upper stage corresponds to high school. After the upper secondary school is completed, and you pass the final exam (Esame di Maturità) you will earn your diploma for further education.

     Their education system is very similar to that of the United States’. Their primary school, which would be our elementary school, contains five years just like the United States’. The lower secondary school consists of three years, usually from age eleven to thirteen, which is the same in the US. At the end of the third year, the students take an exam to further their education. Unlike the US, Italy’s upper secondary school, which is like our high school, consists of five years. The United States’ consists of only four years. 

This is a photoograph of a high school, located in Florence, Italy.

                                 

Christmas in Italy ; Italian Pizzelle

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup margarine
• 2 tbsp Vanilla or Anise (you choose your favorite)
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 4 tsp baking powder

Directions

• Melt margarine & cool
• Beat eggs
• Add sugar, margarine, and vanilla
• Sift flour and baking powder and add to mix
• Use 1 tbsp dough for each pizzelle
• Bake 30-45 seconds in Pizzelle machine
• Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Makes 6-8 dozen

Variations

• Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup cocoa, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder to mix

Italian Chrstmas...

1. Christmas in Italy is celebrated from December 24th - January 6th.

2. It follows a winter solstice festival known as Saturnalia, which begins on December 8th.

3. In Italy, presents are brought by La Befana, who arrives in the night to fill children's stockings.

4. Lights, and trees, and decorations have not been popular until recently.

5. Traditionally, a meatless dinner is eaten on Christmas Eve, with your family.