Food With Passion
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Perhaps the World Ends Here

Vernon Rainwater, a Pastor and Music Minister at Northland shared this with me and now I MUST share this with you.  You've heard me say over and over again that it's my hearts desire to "Bring the Famiglia Back to the Table".  You've heard me say that it's NOT all about the food but what takes place when we are at the table.  You've heard me say relationships are built or perhaps rebuilt at the table, healing and forgiveness take place and the seeds of your famiglia's legacy are planted and watered. 

See the words written by Joy Harjo below and may it bring light perhaps that you have never seen or heard before regarding the family table.  May it inspire you to start today to look in the mirror and decide you WILL bring your famiglia back to the table.  You love them so much, you realize that they desperately need that table to get back to what's most important to the health and wellness of your famiglia and that's making them a priority.  

My love for the famiglia is so strong and and if I could do this for you and your famiglia I would.  Don't hesitate to call or email if you want to talk or need any suggestions.  I'm here for you amici.  God Bless you.

Perhaps the World Ends Here
by Joy Harjo

The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live.

The gifts of earth are brought and prepared, set on the table. So it has been since creation, and it will go on.

We chase chickens or dogs away from it. Babies teethe at the corners. They scrape their knees under it.

It is here that children are given instructions on what it means to be human. We make men at it, we make women.

At this table we gossip, recall enemies and the ghosts of lovers.

Our dreams drink coffee with us as they put their arms around our children. They laugh with us at our poor falling-down selves and as we put ourselves back together once again at the table.

This table has been a house in the rain, an umbrella in the sun.

Wars have begun and ended at this table. It is a place to hide in the shadow of terror. A place to celebrate the terrible victory.

We have given birth on this table, and have prepared our parents for burial here.

At this table we sing with joy, with sorrow. We pray of suffering and remorse. We give thanks.

Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite

Galtime Orlando Features Chef Isabella

Family, Food & Tradition on Mother's Day -

Every year my brothers and sister and I ask ourselves what are we going to do for Mamma on Mother's day. We come up with all kinds of ideas, wanting to do different things we like to do that day. But I have found that this day more than any for my mamma is all about her and what she really loves to do whether we like to do it or not. Read the rest of the article HERE

Mother's Day Just for YOUR Special Mamma

Every year my brothers and sister ask ourselves what are we going to do for Mamma on Mother's day.  We come up with all kinds of ideas, wanting to do different things we like to do that day.  But I have found that this day more than any for my mamma is all about her and what she really loves to do whether we like to do it or not.  I could say,  it's my day too I'm a mamma too, but truly for me it's not.  Nothing would honor me more this day than for all of us to honor my mamma, my children's Nonna.  For as long as God Blesses us with this wonderful woman we love so much, that's what I want to do.  The way I see it, they can always pick another day to honor me. :)

My mamma loves the Catholic Church and I'm going to take her to church that day...even though it's not the church we attend, although it doesn't matter because it's NOT about me, it's about her.  My mamma just wants to be with the famiglia and loves a picnic on the beach "Vicari"  style and boy you should see how we picnic on the beach!  We bring tables, linens, an array of the most amazing Italian delicacies you can imagines like platters of antipasti with prosciutto, Roasted Red Peppers and Onion, Anchovies, Marinated Tomatoes, Artichokes, Imported Provolone, Sopressata and of course my Marinated Olives.  Now that's for starters.  Wonderful panini's  made with Fresh Ciabatta coated with my Signature Pesto and topped with Cappicola, Mortadella, Cheeses are placed next to the antipasti so you can top your panini with any of these ingredients.  MAMMA MIA WHAT A PANINI!   My sister-in-law Leslie make my mom's favorite Cheese Ball and Wine Cake.  Of course we can't forget papa's favorite Gamberoni di Calabria (Shrimp Calabrese style) that are just as wonderful eaten room temperature.  A bowl of fresh fruits cut up and wonderful dessert to include mamma's favorite Torta di Mandorle, my almond cake AND we better not forget the espresso, vino and biscotti too.
 
Of course this quiet famiglia of mine has the Italian music playing for all to hear until the younger generation wants to jam to their tunes too.  We are a happy group when we're together and we love  picnicking "Vicari" style.  Just by the size of our group, the aromas from the tables, the laughter and conversations always attract many that walk by.  As they slow down to see what we have going on we of course invite them to join us and feast with the famiglia.  So by the end of the day our famiglia continues to grow in numbers, strength and love.  That's how we honor our mamma.  What about you?  Remember this day is all about her, the Matriarch of the famiglia.  Love her, honor her like never before this day and always.

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