Growing Up Italian
I recently read a book called Growing Up Italian by Dr. Ed Iannuccilli and it brought back a lot of great memories for me. My dad was an Italian born in the USA, but his parents came from a little village/paese in Italy called “Foggia” near Naples.
Growing up we’d trudge to my grandmother’s (who we fondly called “Macaroni Grandma”), every Sunday, rain or shine, for dinner. Dinner consisted of homemade chicken soup, pasta, a chicken roast with roasted vegetables and, of course, wine – not store-bought but homemade by my grandfather in the cellar. My dad would cut up peaches or oranges and put them in his wine as he sipped it. My grandma would make her own Italian bread… and her pizza was to die for.
It’s easy to understand now why Italy is one of my favorite places to visit. I’ve been there many times, on tours, as well as on our own with friends. Of course, the highlights of these trips are the destinations themselves, but the food there stands out in my mind because it reminds me of my Macaroni Grandma. Some restaurants smell like her house on a Sunday morning.
We plan to visit Tuscany next summer, and I am really looking forward to seeing that region of Italy. I love the small medieval villages and towns that make Italy so unique. I know it will be fantastic and can’t wait to go!
My take on the book: Reading Growing Up Italian was like taking a walk down memory lane. I especially loved the author’s take on Christmas Eve and the dinner of seven fishes. That is one tradition I have carried on with my own family. It’s one of our favorite nights of the year. This is a great read for anyone, but if you are of Italian decent, many of the stories will bring back some great memories for you, too.
On growing up Italian in the USA & visiting Italy: I grew up in the USA, with close ties to the old country. When I visit Italy, I picture my Macaroni Grandma walking the village streets, shopping for dinner and then going home to create a delicious, authentically Italian meal.
posted by Jetsetter
Kathy Sullivan, Co-Manager, Community Relations
Collette Vacations
Tags: Food, Italy, Pop Culture
One Comment to “Growing Up Italian”
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Now I’m hungry! Your grandma sounds like the real deal. I will check out the book, too.