Almost Italian

As the first wild asparagus and dandelion greens appear, our thoughts turn to our favorite way to welcome spring—the Almost Italian Easter feast. We’ll be cooking a lot this week. The scent of fresh cheeses, baking pastries, citrus, and roasting lamb are pungent reminders of our heritage…. We have so many memories, and now we want to stimulate yours. We continue to believe that every Italian-American (and everyone who’s ever known one) has a unique story, so we invite you, Italian or not, to share some of your fondest or funniest recollections.

Photo courtesy of Len Roe

We’re initiating a little contest, one in which everyone wins:

Starting today—we’re asking for your stories…your memories of growing up as an Italian-American. But maybe you were only the neighbor or in-law of an Italian. That’s okay, you count, too. We’ll read every submission and once each month, we’ll choose one that really grabs us. The prize is that we will dedicate a page to you and your “story,” which will remain part of the Almost Italian archive.

Without having to start a blog or Website of your own, here’s your chance to be a guest commentator on Almost Italian.com. Talk about the way your Aunt Philomena, who made the best meatballs, used to crush you to her lilac-scented bosom, grab you by both cheeks, then release you, saying, “Che bello ragazzo!” Remind us how Zio Giovanni always smelled like Parodi cigars and garlic or how Nonna would rescue you by calling everyone to the dinner table. Tell us that all your adolescent phobias melted away whenever you saw that lasagne coming out of the oven…

What about all the daughters-in-law gathering at Nonna’s house the Saturday before Christmas to make cookies with those little sprinkles? You got to lick the beaters of the MixMaster then burned your fingers when your youngest aunt—the one only twelve years older than you were—offered you something right out of the oven. Tell us how you felt when you were home from school, sick in bed; Nonna spoon-fed you Pastina in Brodo and sat softly singing una canzona Siciliana as you dozed through your fever…

Prior to submitting your story, it would help if you’d browse through the AlmostItalian.com articles we’ve already written. You might be able to fill some blanks, catching something we’ve missed.

The contest has only three simple rules:

1) Italian-American food MUST be central to the story.

2) Submissions must not be longer than 1,000 words—that’s about 3 typewritten pages. Shorter is better. Remember, brevity is the soul of wit.

3) The story must be original, not published anywhere else (in print, audio, or online), and you must be the author.

Actual recipes—especially the way someone you knew used to make something—are good, but not essential. Stories are more important. Also, if you send photographs, tell us who the subjects are, and if possible, when, where, and by whom a photograph was taken, so we may give appropriate credits.

Pronto? Are you ready? Remember, the story of Italian-American food is one that belongs to all of us.

Send your entry to contest@almostitalian.com. Please put the words: “Contest Story” in your email subject line, and let us know how to reach you—by phone and email. We’ll plan to publish our first contest winner about a month from now, in late April.

Meanwhile, be sure to check back this week for a Napolitano Easter treat…