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

Stuffed Artichokes with Love from Lioni for Your Thanksgiving Table

Joanna Moeller continues her series the cheeses of Lioni Latticini using their Caciocavallo di Salvatore for this stuffed artichoke recipe.

November 14, 2025

A Perfect Thanksgiving Starter with Smoked Stracciatella from Lioni

Joanna Moeller offers her first recipe, a seasonal pasta with smoked stracciatella, in a series featuring the cheeses of Lioni Latticini.

November 14, 2025

Dante Aperitivo Offers Elevated, Chic All Day Aperitivo Experience

The new West Village location from the celebrated Dante team blends Italian elegance with New York energy, serving caviar, cocktails, and charm all day long.

November 13, 2025

My Roman Story: Katie Parla on Rome’s Food and Spirit

Food writer Katie Parla reflects on how one trip to Rome grew into a decades-long exploration of its flavors and heart.

November 12, 2025

The Roman Classic: Gnocchi al Ragù

This Roman gnocchi al ragù, adapted from Rome: A Culinary History, Cookbook, and Field Guide to the Flavors that Built a City by Katie Parla, brings Thursday tradition to your table.

November 11, 2025
See all posts