Sunday Story: Lasagna Love. What meal spells L-O-V-E to you?? You know, the one mom, dad, or grandma used to make?
I’m not sure I can name only one! I do know that lasagna is high on my list.
Why? ...
It’s the way my mamma spent time on Sunday making the different components of this layers of love meal. First, the fresh homemade (if time allowed) pasta layers, then, the simmering ragù sauce, and lastly, the creamy smooth béchamel.
As children, my sister and I, gold medal taste testers, snuck bites here and there as we waited for complete meal. I laugh when my children do this now and I say, “abbi pazienza! Non è ancora pronto!” - be patient, it’s not ready yet. When I say those words I hear the generations of women in my life who once told me the same. A chilling feeling of stepping out of your youth and realizing you are now the one in charge.
Perhaps that is why I am so nostalgic over lasagna, it’s a meal that takes me in the kitchen grabbing a spoon to taste the ragù and béchamel while still hot on the stove. I am the child. The comfort of a meal that brings back those memories is priceless. It soothes your heart as much as your tummy.
Let’s bring a little nostalgia in our kitchens this week.
Make THAT meal for your family. Tell them about your memories surrounding that meal.
Who’s with me??
Maybe it’s a special casserole, pasta dish, or biscuits and gravy???
SHARE IN COMMENTS and MAKE IT FOR YOUR FAMILY THIS WEEK.
️*Make a Meal a Memory*
Written with Amore, Elena
️As a part of this post I wanted to take a moment to introduce a non profit organization I recently found that I love to support and I thought you might too. This is not sponsored.
The Lasagna Love grass roots organization, born at the beginning of the pandemic, spreads kindness across the country.
Lasagna Love was started at the beginning of the pandemic, when the founder of Good to Mama was looking for a way to help moms in her community. She and her toddler started making and delivering meals to families in the neighborhood who were struggling, whether that struggle was financial, emotional, or simply a feeling of overwhelm.
Lasagna Love has since grown into a national movement, with thousands of people all cooking and delivering meals to families in their communities. What we do is simple: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. Our mission is not only to help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families, but also to provide a simple act of love and kindness during a time full of uncertainty and stress.
Find ways to HELP WITH THE LASAGNA LOVE MOVEMENT
Amber says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful stories and your beautiful family... My family for generations on my father's side grew up (by most people's standards) with not much. My family's traditions are rooted in big family meals... That is how dinner was served every night and how we spent birthdays and every holiday. It was my grandmother cooking everything from scratch, for everyone (neighbors included). Dinners were at least 20 people. I always think about the parable from the bible when Jesus feeds 5000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. My grandma who had very little would work a miracle and feed her 7 kids, her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, her elderly neighbors and whomever was sick or lonely from church for years well until I was in my early 20's (now 40). Every meal was a gift, a blessing and how we shared our love.
Elena says
Hi Amber, thank you for your beautiful message! I love the stories you tell of your grandmother. I can feel her love and dedication through your description. Every meal is a gift! Thank you for sharing.This is a reminder of the type of person we should strive to be. My mother and grandmother share similar traits- amazing examples!