Officially, Cynthia Goch of Downingtown, Pa. has captured four generations of Italian recipes from appetizers to desserts in her new cookbook, MaMa Mia Cucina (My Mother's Kitchen) - A Flavor of Good Food and Good Family, which is now available online and at several local retailers.
But, what she's really done is share a legacy with her three daughters, readers and future generations about how food is a way of connecting with family and friends to give, share and celebrate. Cynthia said that her mother created the title and those kitchens belong to Cynthia's mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunts where she learned the art of cooking.
"(The book) is a visit through my childhood, through the generations of my family," Cynthia said. "Each Sunday morning I woke to the aromas of spaghetti sauce (gravy) and coffee. So, I thought, “there must be a story in there!”
Cynthia explained that her great-grandmother was a cook, by profession, before coming to the United States. She added that her great-grandmother passed on her knowledge to those who were "fortunate to learn from her teachings." Cynthia worked with her "Noni" (grandmother) to pull together the 118 recipes built from simple and basic ingredients.
Together, the women captured the "grand old" treasured family favorites that were once 'created with a handful and a pinch" and then translated to a cup and a teaspoon.
"We measured, tested, and cooked. As I wrote the recipes, a story began evolving as I associated my childhood, my family, extended friendships, and my grandfather’s HUGE organic garden. It was all about ‘the food! There was food preparation, harvesting, preserving, giving, sharing, and celebrating! We shared stories, as she (Noni) recalled and spoke of a way of life," she said.
While the final product was a cookbook, Cynthia said she also created a "treasured experience" by working with Noni.
"We shared in teaching and learning; tears and laughter; joys and challenges, and the total experience of sharing ourselves," she said. However, the project ended on a bittersweet note as Noni fell ill after the measuring, cooking and sharing was completed.
"She continued to ask, “Is the cookbook finished yet?," Cynthia said. " Although she did not have the opportunity to witness the finished version of MaMa Mia Cucina, I printed, bound, and read her the introduction and dedication. She was content in knowing it was well on its way!" Cynthia also credits her husband and family for being a "driving force" to bring the book to fruition.
Although Cynthia is not a certified chef, she explained that she has been cooking since she was a young child and had been surrounded by many teachers.
"As my husband and I were raising our three daughters, I did a lot of cooking and entertaining. With that were many ‘cooking experiments’. When we sold our first home, I laughed, and said that I was going to include a sign: “over one million served”. I know realize that I was already following a passion. My dream evolved over time," she said.
Cynthia said the success of her book has allowed her to start teaching cooking classes and cooking demos, and a new book is on ‘the horizon’.
"I want to educate others in the joy of cooking, healthly eating, and in bringing their family and friends ‘to the table," she said.
She also encourages other moms to go after their goals.
"Dreams evolve if you dream them. When you pursue what is in your heart, and you are passionate in that pursuit, the people and circumstances will appear. The outcome is usually better than the dream! “Do what you love."
Note: You can meet Cynthia as well as savor some of the recipes in her book on Friday, February 19th at Chester County Book & Music Company during the Evening of Pampering event.
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