With the arrival of spring and summer, we think of outdoor living and the classic American picnic. It isn’t difficult to understand why these get-togethers are so popular, as the key phrase in describing them is “laid back.” It’s a type of party that you can have virtually anywhere—in the neighborhood common area, at an outdoor concert, or around the swimming pool.

One of the finest compliments that Italian cuisine has ever received was the answer by Julia Childs to the question, “Why did you choose to work with French cuisine and not Italian?” Julia replied, “Because Italian is too simple.” In that brief answer, Ms. Childs summed up the key to the wonderful popularity of Italian cuisine—its simplicity. Every major chef in the world knows that the basis for the delicious and savory flavors of “cucina Italiana” IS its simplicity—the enhancement of the foods by light sauces and delicate seasonings, and above all, freshness.