THE ANNOTICO REPORT

While I understand Italian Food to be Not Only a great Adhesive for Italian Families, and a great Recognition by the General population of the importance of both "Basic" Italian foods, and Italian Fine Cuisine, and I continue to be struck by the fact that few Italians and fewer General Population realize that Italian Cuisine is the Mother of ALL West European Cuisine ( Read about Catherine De Medici), I can Not resist, like a "nagging wife" to repeat that BOOKS about Italian and Italian American History are critical to having our children understand what their Culture is all about. (Cuisine + Art + Literature+ Opera+ Seeds of Universal Judicial Code + Engineering (road and building) + Inventions + Explorers +etc, + etc.... )

So when in Doubt, Give a Book of Italian or Italian American History as a gift to your kids and relatives kids. 

Meatballs for Breakfast
Preserving Italian culture in our generation, one meal at a time

Italiansrus; Una Mamma Italiana ; by Tiffany Longo ; April 27, 2009 
The day my four year old son asked for meatballs for breakfast, I happily thought to myself, 'this boy's definitely got Italian blood running through his veins!' At this moment I realized the importance of passing on to my children the love of everything Italian. 

When I was young my parents didn't have to work very hard to keep Italian traditions alive because it just came naturally - it was in their blood! As our grandparents and relatives pass, a little bit of the tradition sadly dies with them. Now the responsibility lies on our generation to keep it from being lost. No pressure, right?! But really, any true Italian-American knows that the culture (RAA: and the History) is far too beautiful to ever be truly forgotten, no matter how many generations go by. 

Over the years, there have always been two things that Italians know best - family and food. So when it comes to my own family, food is usually the center of attention. My husband, Dominic, and I have three children, ages four, two, and one. And even at such young ages, food is already more than sustenance to them - it is a passion. Needless to say, every white t-shirt my children own has been ruined by marinara sauce. And I'm not sure if too many two year olds eat grated Romano cheese by the spoonful. So it looks like my children will undeniably follow the footsteps of their grandfather, who went to school with sopressata and leftover chicken parmigiana in his lunchbox. To them it might be embarrassing. To me it is fulfilling because I know that they too will grow up knowing that being Italian is special. 

Growing up, we were always told we should be proud to be Italian, but looking back, no one really had to tell us. The examples from our parents and grandparents filled us with Italian pride. Italian families possess what is sadly lacking in today's culture - true love. The love of an Italian nonna is like nothing else. I remember visiting my grandma in New York and boarding the plane home with a thermos full of tortellini. The memory of making homemade bread and gnocchi with my father and grandmother will never leave me. My brother still reminds me of the times we'd wait for Mom's first batch of meatballs. After all, our 'taste - testing' is the only reason I know how to make meatballs today! 

As we got older, family gatherings were even more unforgettable because we could stay up for the pasta at midnight. Usually the adults were always up late talking or playing cards. So at midnight, even if we just finished dessert, we would hand everyone an apron and make pasta! It became a tradition that all of us have continued with our own friends. But until my own children are old enough to stay up that late, we just try and make cooking (and eating) as much of a memory as possible. Even today when I make meatballs, they mysteriously disappear into three little mouths that wait by the stove just like I did. Let's just say I have learned through experience to double the recipe! 

It is now our generation's responsibility to keep these valuable recipes in the family. So do what we did, and make a family cookbook while you still have access to the wealth of information that your nonnas and bisnonnas can give you. My aunt took all the family recipes from her childhood, and some new ones from each person in the family. Then she compiled a book of recipes and family photos and had it bound under the name "Cucina Di Rosa", after my grandma Rose. Today, a copy of the cookbook rests on the kitchen counter of every one in my family. It is our way of preserving those recipes that have meant so much in our lives. Every chance I get, I put on some Italian music and bring my kids in the kitchen to cook these meals and create the same tasty memories I had growing up. 

Looking back in our lives, a picture, a song, a scent, or a special meal can bring you right back to a memory in an instant. That is what we need to create for our children, so that when they grow up and their own children want meatballs for breakfast, they will never forget where it came from. After all, our Italian roots and relatives were the building blocks of who we are today, and it is thanks to them that we have the privilege of passing on this beautiful culture. So hand your kids, your brothers, sisters, cousins, or neighbors an apron and get in the kitchen. Because food brings everyone together, and will help create the Italian traditions in your own family for generations to come. 

http://www.italiansrus.com/articles/unamamma/meatballs.htm

About the Author : Tiffany Longo : Una Mamma Italiana 
Tiffany Renee Longo (Pusateri) was born into a loud, loving Italian-American family with strong values and deep traditions. As a freelance writer, Tiffany's articles appear in La Voce newspaper under the column, "Mamma Mia!" She also keeps up her blog regularly, www.unamammaitaliana.blogspot.com. There you will find everything from recipes to crafts to humorous Italian commentary for other Italian mammas and the whole family! 

Tiffany grew up Italian, is married to an Italian, and is now raising three little Italians of her own. She currently lives with her husband Dominic, her son Dominic II, and her daughters Gabriella and Gianna. (Did we mention all the kids are 4 and under?) With her crazy and exciting life, there is bound to be something everyone can relate to! 

Visit her site for more information. www.unamammaitaliana.blogspot.com or email her at unamamma@cox.net. Tiffany loves to chat with her readers! CIAO!