At this time of year, when the days are getting colder, I naturally start thinking about my nonna’s Christmas delicacies! Food traditions are usually the main thing that bond us together with family members who live in another part of the world, or who have passed on. Perhaps when we have forgotten the language of our heritage, we can still partake in our culture through the recipes passed down from generation to generation, just like my nonna has passed to me. Food by its nature is very comforting and provides us a connection not only to the ones we love, but to the past.
My nonna’s food was particularly special, not only for the memories it holds for me, but because of her passion for bringing simple ingredients together in delicious ways. This passion is always in my heart, every time I cook, and it is the reason I started up Tucci’s Kitchen. I want to show everyone that cooking healthy, high class food is not a luxury just for those who can afford it. No, back in Italy my nonna did not have a lot of money but she always managed to produce delicious, wholesome foods that were always in season, fresh and easy to cook.
My fondest food memory is from when I was 3 years old, sitting at the kitchen table helping my nonna to make gnocchi. She would give me a little dough and I would roll little pieces and stick my finger in to make the ‘dimple’. I think of all the lessons she taught me, the one I remember most is that cooking with and for people is the greatest pleasure in the world, one that I hope to share with you soon in Tucci’s Kitchen!
Chef Tucci at 3 years old rolling out Pasta on the kitchen table with his nonna.
Book your Cookery Course Now at Tucci’s Kitchen! Dates confirmed for January: Beginner’s course starts on Tuesday 18th January, Intermediates on on Thursday 20th January. Day Courses TBC. Email courses@tucciskitchen.com or ring 0118 954 1229.
Tags: Abruzzese Cooking, Abruzzo Cooking, Italian Traditional Cooking, The Tradition of Tucci's Kitchen, Traditional Italian Cooking School, Tucci's Kitchen, Tucci's Kitchen Cookery Class, Tucci's Kitchen Cookery School, Tucci's Kitchen Gnocchi
