Recipes at my table

Recipes at my table is my way of documenting some of my family recipes and traditions.  Growing  up Italian consisted of a unique call to the table, which was a cowbell, situated at the bottom of the stairs. When we heard it ring, it meant supper was ready. It was a time to bring our stories of adventure to the table as we sat around with the most wonderful meals. A table is round, square, long, short, on the floor, off the floor or made by putting a table-cloth somewhere. People today don’t come together at the table as often as they should. When they do, they bring their phones and as a result , they don’t talk anymore.

WHy Recipes At My Table?

Life consists of dreams, passions and journeys. Somewhere along the path, we have an “Aha” moment. We rediscover ourselves and sometimes this leads us back to our roots. After I retired and my children moved out, I didn’t know who I was. I was a mother, a teacher, a grandmother (nana) etc., but who am I ? I love cooking and started cooking more. I was cooking to explore my core, and I found it.

For years, friends and relatives asked me to share recipes, give classes, cater parties, but I thought, “I am not a chef.”  I am a home cook , and cooking makes me happy. Sometimes we lose touch with ourselves while absorbed in making a living. After a health diagnosis, I realize that I want to live and make the most of life. I made a daily commitment to nurture my sense of self.  Now it’s time for me; I am living the way I want. I am nervous because although I like to write, I suffer from technological short-falls. I apologize in advance for any glitches I create. Constructive criticism and solutions would be appreciated.

My Italian roots

My Nonna Emilia was a no-fuss Italian. Everything she made in the kitchen was inspired by her passion of turning a few ingredients into mouth-watering meals. She taught me to do the same in my kitchen without giving up taste or tradition. My mother is also an inspiration. A cancer survivor, she lives to cook for her family and friends. She cooks with love. 

We didn’t have much growing up, but the gift of food brought us together. My years spent in Little Italy of Sault Ste Marie are precious memories. On a summer evening, everyone brought out their treats to outside tables and all neighbours came together to share. 

Recipes at my table brings you food preparation that is easy and that you can enjoy with family, friends or just yourself. Over the years, I have tweaked the family recipes to make them healthier, but I will always include the original version.  I also love to experiment and try new foods, and of course make them Italian in some way.  LOL 

Many of these recipes are a product of my Italian roots, which embrace both a Calabrese and Sicilian culture. I also love to travel and have created a page where I will share my travels and the tables of the world and their recipes. Please enjoy and share.