Merry Christmas 2013
All posts filed under: Family
An Ancient Knife
This knife belonged to my great grandmother on my father's side, Angelina Minniti (1883-1954). I recently "borrowed" it from my mother on a semi-permananent basis. I always remember seeing it in the drawer as a kid, with it's protective sheath made from cardboard and duct tape, but rarely ever saw it being used.
Chicken Cutlets from My Childhood
I am sure that most Italian-Americans have their own recipe for this dish, but the ones my grandmother and mother made were the best by far! Cutlets were a special treat in my household. My father would come down in the middle of the night and eat them cold from the fridge, much to our despair because that meant less (or none) for us the next day.
Polpette: Grandma Josie’s Recipe
These meatballs, made by my paternal grandmother, Josephine, were so coveted that the family would gather by the dozens when they were being served. Josephine (Romeo) Della Vecchia came from Calabria - the southern tip of Italy. Meatballs, or polpette were common there (and still are) and simple to make.
Growing Up Italian
This film is a bit long at 12 minutes and the still images repeat, but it touches on many of the experiences of Italian Americans, especially those who grew up in the 40’s and 50’s.