2005 in Viterbo
Nonna is a modern woman ~ you will not find her in a frumpy house dress and apron, wearing an oversized cardigan sweater, endlessly stirring a pot of sauce as it simmers on the stove.
Whether on one cell phone with her friends (like she is in this photo), or on her second cell phone leading the local “MASCI” (Movimento Adulti Scout Cattolici Italiani − an adult Scouting troupe), or driving Alessandra in the car to run errands, Nonna is always on the move.
Here are some video snippets, unedited, of Nonna in the kitchen. I left these unedited so you can get a flavor of what everyday life is like in this typical Italian family’s home. This footage was shot in 2009, and every time I return to Italy, I hope to capture more video of Nonna and the whole family to share with you.
Enjoy!
~Nonna talks about how her grandmother would deceive her in the kitchen.
~Nonna having fun showing me how to knead dough for Babà.
~ Nonna making the classic Pasta al Forno ~ baked pasta ~ or what we may think of as a meatless lasagna.
~Nonna making Pollo con Limone ~ Chicken with Lemon ~ and her son-in-law Lillo joins her in the discussion.
BUT WAIT! There are more Beyond the Pasta videos~
At lunch in 2021~
I love Nonna.
Is that scale on the counter the one you got for her??
No, that was her original scale that I wrote about in the book. I purchased a small, sleek digital scale for right before I left. Mmmmm, now that I think about it, I should probably go back and reference the video!
Oh jeez, I thought she was making risotto with horse!! Back to Rosetta Stone for me!
Yes, I still confuse cavallo (horse) with cavolo (cabbage). Mamas mia! Buon Appetito~ Mark