Hosting a Tuscan Inspired Sunday Dinner

Host a simple & fuss free Tuscan Inspired Sunday Dinner at home with my quick and easy tips.

Post Sponsored by Lunchbox. All opinions are 100% my own.

Growing up, I fondly remember big family dinners at my grandparents' on a Sunday afternoon. Aunts, uncles, and cousins would fill their plates with my grandma's homemade lasagna or slices of her ham, and then clamor to the various tables, chairs, and couches around her house to sit down and enjoy a meal with the family. It wasn't fancy, and it wasn't perfect. But it was a fun family dinner that I always looked forward to. :)

The years have passed and now big family dinners only happen at my grandparents' home for special occasions and holidays. Sunday family dinners have become a fond memory of my childhood. But this past Sunday I decided to change that. This past Sunday I hosted a traditional Italian dinner for some of family at my home.  I wanted to channel the laid back, casual Sunday dinners I remembered from my childhood and keep things as fuss free and simple as possible. But I also wanted to channel a little modern Italian elegance as well...

Giovanni Burgers

Juicy burgers are topped with sauteed peppers in sauce & American cheese in these easy to make Tuscan inspired Giovanni Burgers...

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bertolli®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Something that I have really come to appreciate about my blogging over the years is that it affords me the opportunity to share with you all some of my family's most cherished recipes and local favorites from my hometown and state. 

The North Central area of West Virginia has a rich & flavorful history of Italian immigrants, and the local food scene here definitely reflects that deep Italian influence. One item that you are sure to find on the menu of just about any local, family owned restaurant or eatery in this area is a Giovanni Burger. 

A Giovanni Burger is the perfect melding of Italian influence, American classics, and resourcefulness in producing a delicious sandwich that is also budget friendly. 

Traditionally a Giovanni is a grilled hamburger topped with American cheese & locally made peppers in sauce that is sandwiched between two slices of thickly sliced & toasted Italian bread or Texas toast. 

Since I know that the homemade sauce & peppers is something that is local to my area, I decided why not make a version of the Giovanni with my one of my favorite Tuscan Inspired Bertolli sauces that just about anyone could pick up at their local Kroger no matter which state that they happen to live in? ;)