One thing that has not yet made the journey back to the Old Country is the Crock Pot. Americans tend to be humble about this time-saving device, but they shouldn't be, because this is one major area of "suck it, Italy." This small, inexpensive, low-voltage work horse of melt-in-your-mouth roasts conquers your nastiest kitchen adversaries (like whole chickens and squashes) with slow, steady, and irresistible power that WILL NOT burn your house down. And, more importantly, the things that come out of it taste identical to the ones you spend eight hours standing over yourself, admiring the shiny yellow exterior of your Le Creuset. Which is shiny because, let's be honest, when DO you spend eight hours standing over it? Ain't nobody got time for that.
Compare the level of human engagement.
America v. Italy