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In a typical Italian family, the Nonna (grandmother) is often the source of strength and wisdom for the entire family. La Nonna can also be the teller of tall tales, the one who passes down family history, the spouter of proverbs for any situation and a multi-talented marvel who can cook like Mario Batali and sew like the little mice in “Cinderella.” The nonna is the one you run to when you have a bruised knee or a broken heart but also the one who may discipline you and teach life’s most important lessons.
My friend Ada of My Italian online - Il mio Italiano online has shared with us 8 household tips handed down to her from her Italian nonna:
- Vinegar: Is your vinegar too strong? Place two small slices of apples in the vinegar and let them sit for three days. This will make your vinegar much lighter and better tasting
- Home made broth: To make a good broth, you must add the meat when the water is cold and add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda
- Old coffee maker (that’s been sitting around): To take away the bad odor, fill the pot with milk and bring to a boil
- Carrots: When you are boiling carrots, adding a little apple juice to the water will add to the flavor
- Gnocchi: A pinch of saffron added to the dough gives them a light yellow color and is pleasing to the palate
- Yogurt: Purchase yogurt that contains live and active cultures. In a small pan, warm up some milk then pour it into a jar. Add a few teaspoons of the yogurt. Close the jar and let it rest for an entire day (10 – 12 hours). When you open the jar, you will have an excellent yogurt. If you use a few teaspoons of this yogurt and repeat the process over again, the yogurt will continue to get creamier. Repeat as often as you like
- Lemon: To preserve a lemon that has been used (like one sliced in half), place in sliced-side-down in a plate containing some fresh water. It will stay fresh for a number of days
- Bread (no Italian tip list can be complete without something about bread): To store bread (or cake) and keep it fresh, add half an apple to the bag
Next time we will talk about Nonna’s kitchen remedies. Meanwhile, do you have any wisdom handed down from your grandmother that you’d like to share?
For more info:
www.toscnamia.biz
serenella618@gmail.com
Comments
This is an awesome article! La Nonna would say, "Once is a mistake and twice is a habbit." It really is true if you think about it :-)
Serenella, you make life wonderful with your
Tuscany Effect News Letter and your news aticals, I learn to cook from my late husbands Zie's ( Aunts) in Lucca Italy where I lived for four years, the best years of my life .... Keep up the good work
Paolina
Paolina, Thanks so much. It takes a village in Italian families, right? How lucky you had your husband's zie. Some Italians have zie, nonne or just friends who impart wisdom and recipes. I hope you go back to visit Lucca. It is a fantastic town.
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