I was born in Ohio, but since returning from a life-long dream vacation of 17-days exploring the sights, smells, and sounds of Italy, I realized that I should have been born in a little farmhouse tucked in the valleys of the Tuscan hills. Italy's county side mesmerized me. Its hillside villages surrounded by wild flowers, olive trees and vineyards painted a picture that will forever be embedded in my memory. While touring Cortona, the quaint old farmhouses called my name to explore their charm and warmth, and I responded as I endlessly snapped photos of windows, doors, gardens, and the rooflines as they met the Tuscan sky. The smells of the markets and cafes allowed me to breathe in the bouquets of garlic, basil, sage, and rosemary. The taste of wines, cheeses, breads and pastas still lingers fortunately on my lips and unfortunately on my hips! There is a part of me that wants to hang on to those extra pounds I added as a souvenir of my trip---afraid that as I loose the weight I will loose my treasured memories of Italy.
Like most Italians, l enjoy wine, pasta, and olive oil with the sound of Andrea Bocelli playing in the background. The smells of cheese and prosciutto get my salivary glands working as if I were a participant in a Pavlov's dog experiment. I get satisfaction when sipping latte and dunking my biscotti in it just to the point that it is soft—not soggy (a true skill that I am still working on!). Hearing the cork pop on a bottle of wine, rather in Italy or at home, means that good friends and conversation are not too far behind.
My favorite colors are red, white and green (the colors of the flag of Italy), and I secretly adore the thought of kissing everyone I meet on both cheeks when I see them as if I have known them all of my life. The conversation of the Italian language makes me feel like I am listening to the poetry of Dante Alighieri, even if it is just asking a local towns person where to find the toilet (Mi scusi, dov'รจ il bagno?) I find it truly amazing how bodily functions can sound romantic when spoken in Italian.
Why this love affair with Italy? I am “part” Italian. I am sure that the “part” of me that is Italian is my sense of taste and smell. In addition, I inherited the Italian stature---I am short and busty! I have strong hands like my Nonna that can knead dough and open olive jars without asking for help! I can stir polenta for an hour, and I have scars from where the hot molten cornmeal splashed on my skin. These are cooking battle wounds that I am extremely proud of!
My Nonna came to the United States and, lucky for me, met my Grandfather and they married. Together they produced my father, who married my mother and produced four children, three girls and one boy (again lucky for me!). I am the oldest of the children. In my early teens, my father had to also play the role of my mother as he faced the challenge of raising four kids on his own. Being the oldest, I found myself more like a mother than a teenager. This forced me to spend time in the kitchen with my Nonna and Father as I learned how to cook and prepare meals. These are the memories of my somewhat unconventional childhood that I cherish, and these are the memories that I long to share with my family and friends.
What is it that inspired me to start this blog? Besides the fact that many of my friends have blogs, it was my recent trip to Italy to discover my roots that beckoned me to share my recipes and memories. The time I spent in Tuscany awakened my need to continue to learn about the art of cooking. I love spending time in the kitchen experimenting with food. At times, I feel like a chemist mixing, pouring, and concocting a menagerie of delicacies that are awaiting compliments and “oohs and aahs!”
On this blog you will find old recipes that are family favorites as well as new recipes that I will try and share. I brought back from Italy with an Italian cookbook filled with new and exciting recipes that are awaiting a home in my pots and pans and our growling stomachs! Each week I will post a recipe or two. Some will be tried and true family recipes that continue to be requested. Some will be new as I continue to increase my repertoire of recipes to pass on to my children and grandchildren.
Please join me as I cook my way through my new Italian cookbook and as I share my best cooking memories and recipes. Many of these recipes are from my Nonna, my father, or from my personal recipe box. You can also share with me as I try the successes and failures from my new Italian cookbook.
This blog and all of the upcoming recipes are in memory of my father, Aldo, who inspired me to be all that I can be. He left me with more than memories. He taught me about loving to cook and cooking with love--thus the name of this blog---Cooking with Aldo’s Daughter.
"Buon Appetito"
