After Mass each week, families returned home to the greatly anticipated "Sunday Dinner." Overflowing platters of pasta, meat, fresh vegetables and homemade bread and wine, along with lively conversation remain a beloved and steadfast tradition for people of Italian descent even today. Everyone made time to languish over "Mamma's cooking" and only a son serving overseas in the military might warrant a pass to miss this longed-for meal. While the perpetual cooking helped warm homes during winter, "Summer Kitchens" were often created outside during the hotter months to prevent the entire house from suffering through the heat of the day.