Meet Nonna Angelina Purpura

About Nonna Angelina

My name is Angelina Purpura. I was born in Carini, Sicily, on November  1931.
When I was born, my mother had lost three children.  When I was two years old, my father passed away.  Now It was just my mom, my sister and myself. My sister was seven years older than me and got married at 22. I was 15 and now it was me helping my mother with household chores.  I really loved to cook so preparing the daily meals was fun for me.  My love for cooking grew.  I married in 1950 at 19 years old.  After being married for two months I went to America by myself to help my sister who was pregnant with twins.  Soon after our husbands followed.  My husband worked very hard as a construction worker.  There was always a hot meal on our table: a pasta dish, followed by meat and salad and vegetables, fruit and espresso.  My husband always bragged that in all our married life he was never served a cold meal or leftovers. 

My children married but every Sunday was family day and we all gathered together at our home. We continue this custom today with my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Friends who visited often, were also welcome.  We became grandma and grandma to hundreds over the years.
I know everyone's favorite meal and make sure to prepare it for them.  I am proud to say that everyone loves my cooking and I love that they enjoy it.
My husband passed away at 65. We were the same age. I will be 84 this November 14th, 2015. My three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren call me "Bionic Grandma" because I have a pacemaker and I have had two knee replacements. I thank God every day for all my blessings and keeping me alive to enjoy them.
Ciao everyone and feel the love when you cook my recipes.