Saturday Story
I’m from Cagliari, Sardegna (I’m always amazed by how many Americans don’t know where that is-
On this beach I learned classified cooking tricks, methods, flavors, and the pure love of la cucina Italiana. I sunbathed and listened to the Nonnas’ plan their weekly meals- often engaging in heated discussions over preferred cooking styles and what fruit vendor they prefer- the true Italian way! Recipes passed by their voices and often never recorded. Sometimes I hear their voices in my kitchen. The ingredients simple, local, and in season. Nothing complicated- no one has time for that when feeding large families at the beach.
The meals at Santa nourished my SOUL. These meals taught me the essence and respect of ingredients and what it means to Mangia (eat).
I still don’t know that I call only one place my “home”, perhaps that’s a dilemma I will always face as an Italian French woman living in Bountiful, Utah raised by my Italian mamma and a Danish dad. In my 20’s I searched for the sense of “home” in one place. In my 30’s I embrace all of me and find home wherever I make it.
Do you have a place like this too? I want to hear. Please share in comments, DM, or email me!
Since I won’t return to Italy this summer, I cry daily, I invite you to read as I share little pieces of Santa Margherita and Cagliari every Saturday in July.
Please SHARE or REPOST with ANYONE you feel would love to join the story and recipe journey with us on MamaMiaMangia.com
️Love, Elena.
