Sharas Blog

My grandmother – Nonna, as we say in Italian – was a very wise woman. But she was also headstrong at the same time as being generous. There is a lot that I learned from my Nonna, about life and relationships, but mostly about cooking. Now that she has passed, I look back at the many things that I have learned from this great lady. During all though summers I spent with her walking the shorelines with my summer beach bag. Here are four important things that I learned from my Nonna.

1. Family is all that matters. This has been the main lesson taught to me by my Nonna. She firmly believed that a man is not a man if he doesn’t spend time with his family. This was the case with my Nono (grandfather) who I suspect was firmly trained by his wife to be the best possible father. I now know the importance of family is and what I need to do. Respect of my wife, my kids, and my own parents are what make me a man.

2. Sugar never hurt anyone. When I was a youngling, my Nonna used to give me a spoonful of sugar every day. Although my mother despised this, my Nonna managed to sneak in at least one spoonful per day. This was one of my favourite treats when I was growing up. And now, I continue this tradition. I don’t eat a spoonful of sugar anymore, but I do give myself a sweet treat every day.

3. A good pasta sauce takes all day. Most people will prepare a simple pasta sauce within 10 or 20 minutes. Pasta is always great as a quick meal. But my Nonna taught me that a true pasta sauce takes all day to make. She would start every Sunday morning at 6 o’clock sharp. The ingredients would go into the huge vat of sauce (enough to feed you all week) and then is slowly simmered throughout the day, adding meat as you go. And it was worth it!

4. Wine is fine any time! My Nonna was a firm believer in the healing power of red wine. This is why I drink my fair share every day. It is perfect for any meal (maybe not breakfast) and during the day time while you sit outside on a summer day.