My name is Marisa Rini, the eldest of three sisters and one brother. I grew up close to the sea and its treasures and the aroma of herbs from the country side. My paternal great-grand-parents and grand-parents were farmers, my maternal ones were merchants and my parents conducted their business in the heart of town.
 
I enjoyed the benefits of the Mediterranean climate, the beach, the farm. Food was my first introduction to living science. My nuclear and extended family grew food, loved eating and loved talking about food.

Every day, as we began our main meal, we would discuss about the next. I spent a great deal of my free time peeling potatoes, wearing sunglasses to defend my eyes from chopping onions and cleaning produce, fish poultry, with no laments. My willingness to volunteer in various kitchens gave me direct access to cooking and excluded the intrusion often bestowed upon children. Also, it opened the cupboard of cooking secrets and the opportunity to listen to family and town gossip. From my grand-mothers I learned that the preparation of "favorite dishes" mends difficult relationships, endears your children and grandchildren to you and puts the sparks in marriages while establishing  the "patrimonio" for generations to follow. This early training has had a direct contribution in my adult life as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, foreign language teacher, counselor and family therapist.
 
I carried this portable endowment to New York City, as a new bride from Italy and it has become one of my valuable possessions. I could always mitigate the moods by making "Lasagne al Pesto" for Michael, my husband or his beloved "Orecchiette with Broccoli Rape". I do hold my sons, Edward and Paul, very close, including my grand-children, Alex and Angelina with their mothers Gail and Kaoru, with "Focaccia all'Olio". I could not be better!
 
My mission in life has many facets, cooking is one of them. For me, it is an extension of love and affection for family, friends, community.

Season 1 - Webisode #4

Rossella Rago and Nonna Marisa Rini

Region: Liguria

Recipe: Trofie con Pesto

Season 1 - Webisode #8

Rossella Rago and Nonna Marisa Rini

Region: Liguria

Recipe: Coniglio alla Ligure