Ciao a Tutti!

It's hard to believe that it's our two-week anniversary, but here we are!  And before I get to the news, I'd just like to take a moment to thank everyone for their warm wishes, and also of course for visiting the site and making our launch an overwhelming success!  There's a lot coming up that you're not going to want to miss,  so please Register on our mailing list and your name will be entered in the monthly drawing to win a personalized Cooking with Nonna Apron.

Today marks the official release of our first webisode, which you can view on Nonna TV.   For our very special first episode, we're featuring a recipe that is native to my ancestral hometown of Mola di Bari (Puglia).

 To start, we have the bittersweet "Cicorie con Fave" (Chicory with Fava Beans), followed by the companion dish "Penne con Fave".  Both are quick and easy to prepare, and as we all know, the real reward comes at the end!

Instructing me along the way is Nonna Anna Buonsante, who actually grew up in Mola di Bari and learned this very recipe from her Nonna!  I knew she was going to be a wonderful Nonna as soon as I met her.  With her bright red hair-extension and even brighter sense of humor, she made everything around the kitchen seem effortless.  She had a wonderful stage presence, and perhaps was a little too prone to laughter (making my job much easier), by the end it felt more like two sisters than a grandmother and granddaughter because of her youthful spirit and exuberance.  I'm truly grateful for her coming on the show, and I hope you get as much out of watching her as we all did.

That's all for now, and remember: if you have any questions about the recipe, preparation, or cooking in general, feel free to leave a comment on this post, and don't forget to check the website for new recipes and new Nonne!

Tanti baci,

Rossella