Squidmas Time Is Here Again...

...And as we continue our FRANTIC SEARCH for the perfect recipe for Insalata di Frutti di Mare, let me just remind you that THE BEST WAY TO DRAW IN THE ITALIAN RECRUITS at this time of year is to call your Squidmas dinner what they call it:  THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES.

The fun part for the RECRUITER is knowing that the seven fishes are seated around the table with your dinner guests, charming them with the daintily prepared flesh of their sisters, who GAVE THEIR ALL for the cause.

For those of you unfamiliar with Italian:  Insalata di Frutti di Mare  or FRUITS OF THE SEA SALAD is made with Calamari, Cuttlefish and Octopus.  In Venice -- Italy, not California -- it is a non-negotiable part of the unforgettable Squidmas Dinner. Keep those cards and letters coming in:  the perfect recipe cannot be far from our grasp.  Even if your recipe does not win the contest, WE WANT TO TEST IN HERE IN OUR KITCHENS HIDDEN BENEATH THE DETROIT RIVER.