Lessons Learned from My Grandmother’s Kitchen

Ida Martha Stanzione Vicario 1926-2011

My family said goodbye to my sweet and loving grandmother (Nana) last week after her long battle with Alzheimer’s. An immigrant from Naples, Italy and an angel even before she ever made it to Heaven, my grandmother was passionate about food and cooking. For most of my life, I never set foot in a kitchen, but my interest in cooking finally blossomed somewhat miraculously about five years ago, just as her illness began to take over.

While I’ll probably never foray into making the intricate dishes for which she was known, like chicken cutlets and cannoli, I will forever hold dear the lessons I learned about food from knowing her, loving her and watching her as she moved with ease in her kitchen. These lessons have inspired me in my own.

Lessons Learned from My Grandmother’s Kitchen

1. Food is meant to be shared with family and friends
2. Infuse every dish you make with love, it’s the most important ingredient
3. Stick with what you know
4. Always make enough for unexpected guests — and leftovers
5. Don’t take yourself too seriously
6. Keep your kitchen clean and organized
7. Some of the best memories are made in the kitchen
8. Save your recipes for posterity
9. Take pride in what you make, your food reflects who you are and where you came from
10. Flavor means everything!

My grandmother will be remembered in countless ways, but what I remember most is her graceful, generous and loving spirit which never went missing from any dish she ever made.

I don’t know what she would think of my vegan recipes, but I do know she is proud to see me in my own kitchen donned in an apron and pouring my heart and soul into my own creations.