Sicilian-Americans know how to give a party. My sister-in-law, in particular, is a master of party giving.

The details for the Normandy invasion were nothing, compared to the items in the spiral notebook that recorded planning and execution of my nephew’s 21st birthday party on July 4th.

I have never seen so much food in all my life. Well, ok. When I used to live in Rochester and the family had parties, there was this much food. Come along with me to Christian’s party:Henry really is the nicest dog in the world.
The birthday boy. When enough people mistook him for a Hasidic Jew, he went upstairs and shaved.

He looks much better this way. No, that doesn’t grow out of his mother’s head.

Eggplant tapenade for the sliced baguettes.

Barbecued shrimp appetizer.
The red and yellow pepper bruschetta was my favorite. And by the way, it is pronounced BRUS-KETTA.
Jeff was beating the devil out of those deviled eggs.
I think she’s diggin’ that pastry bag.
Every woman in attendance had something to do. Every man got to sit on his ass with a beer. That’s the way it is in our culture. (Except Jeff, who worked his ass off!)
This artichoke sauce for the penne simmered for hours, I can testify to it.

There’s something to be said for having a beer while you cook. It’s the only way you’d ever wear those antlers.
Herbed carrots & Jeff’s eggplant parmagiano
Green beans, tomato, onion, mozzarella.
Chicken on the barbie.
Marinated steak on the grill–yummy!
Of course there was pasta!
This plate was clearly too small.
Handsome Henry, chillin’ on the 4th of July.
Michele has been making these cookies for decades. I love them.
This cutting board was washed at least 15 times today. I have spared you the other 14 photos.
Italians talk with their hands. They also wear strange headgear. Yes, I know. Michele Obama arms. She works out. A lot.

Cherries are both healthy and patriotic.
Nothing says July as well as cold watermelon.

This is a yogurt cake that my sister-in-law made this morning.
But of course, there had to be a second cake (being decorated).
The final product–gorgeous, no? Benefits of being a 4th of July baby.

I think this is called “an embarrassment of desserts.”

Mother and two sons at the end of a day and evening of celebrating. Yeah, Christian donned the headgear, too. And a good time was had by all.