Skip to Content
Features

An Ode to Our Nonnas

A regular column at Appetito will feature the recipes from the Nonnas of our respective contributors.

Rossella Rago and her Nonna Ninette Romano.

Rossella Rago and her Nonna Ninette Romano.

We at Appetito were thrilled with our wide-ranging, entertaining and insightful interview with food diva Rossella Rago. We were also inspired by her mission to champion grandmothers everywhere, to give them the recognition they deserve, in many respects, but particularly by showcasing the value their cooking has in our lives (even in the cases where they are no longer with us).

With this type of tribute in mind, we decided to dedicate a new column to the recipes of the respective nonnas of Appetito contributors and readers (see below for submission instructions). First up is our Editor-in-Chief, Andrew Cotto, who shares this recipe from his maternal grandmother, Phyllis Maccarrone, for her Veal Spiedini.

Editor's Note: If you would like to submit your own "Ode to Nonna" please provide the following to: andrew@appetitomagazine.com.

  1. A brief (1-3 paragraph) introduction to your nonna.
  2. A related recipe with precise ingredient measurements and instructions.
  3. Two hi-res (minimum 1020 pixels wide) horizontal photos (one featuring your nonna, and one of the finished dish).

Submissions are not a guarantee of publication.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Appetito Recommends Travel Italian Style to Plan Your Next Trip

Travel Italian Style is a bespoke travel planning service founded by Cassandra Santoro, an Italian travel expert and resident of Italy.

May 28, 2026

Parla Come Mangi: When Speech Is Measured at the Table

In Italian, clarity in speech begins at the table.

May 28, 2026

Italian Tuna Salad Featuring Bona Furtuna’s Everyday EVOO

Joanna Moeller celebrates the arrival of Bona Furtuna's Everyday EVOO in Whole Foods Markets with this Sicilian tuna salad.

May 28, 2026

The Cultural Significance of Wine in Italian Cuisine

An overview of a panel discussion at this year's Sicilia En Primeur that focused on the cultural meaning of wine in Italy.

May 27, 2026

How to Make Creamy Balsamic Dressing at Home

Daniel Mancini wants you to your own dressings at home, starting with this recipe for a creamy balsamic to use in myriad ways.

May 27, 2026

Hotel Santa Chiara: Luxury & Serenity on the Grand Canal in Venice

Our Editor-in-Chief has found a boutique hotel on the Grand Canal in a charming, unfettered district of Venice.

May 26, 2026
See all posts