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.

10:04 AM EST on November 14, 2023

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 Stories

This Week in Italian Food News: New Restaurant Openings & More (July 31)

Big cities, bold ideas, and one unforgettable dinner are leading this week's Italian food headlines.

July 31, 2026

The 15-Minute Basil Pasta Sauce I Make All Summer Long 

A garden overflowing with herbs is all the inspiration this timeless Italian pasta dish needs.

July 31, 2026

Pasta School with Lowcountry Bella: The Heart of Fresh Pasta

The journey to mastering fresh pasta starts with a deceptively simple dough that has shaped Italian cooking for centuries.

July 31, 2026

Erica D’Arcangelo on the Family History That Inspired A Story About Pizza

Inspired by generations of family history, the author explains why some stories deserve to be passed on.

Italian Pistachio Pesto Recipe Inspired by Lake Garda

A simple homemade pesto with pistachios, fresh basil, and lemon for a rich twist on the Italian classic.

July 30, 2026

Positive Influencer: Chef Stefani Poci

The Italian-Canadian creator shares how family traditions shaped her love of cooking.

July 30, 2026