“Did growing up in a big Italian family inspire you to write about food? Do you have a favorite Italian family recipe you can share with listeners?” a radio host asked me in an interview a few years ago.
Caught off guard, I fumbled for an answer before hastily moving on to the next topic. Later though, the conversation niggled at me. I grew up in a large blue collar conservative Italian family in rural Ohio, one that defies every Italian stereotype. There were no big Italian meals during my childhood. At family dinners, it was hearty midwestern farm fare on the table.
