I felt like dedicating today to my Mom. She was the only one that believed in me.
So I thought I would have a MOM day even if she’s not around any longer.
My Mom was the best cook in the world…seriously…best. And she was a great Italian cook even though she was not Italian.
She learned from my Dad’s mom. Mom made simple foods. But only the most delicious
So today, I thought I would cook… Italian. Her style. Now I’m a damn good chef but I gave up cooking Italian years ago, instead concentrating on Asian and Southwest styles.
I would make an ocasional Pizza when I couldn’t find a place that did NY style. But really never cooked it any more. But today it was time, no more Ragu.
So I bought the San Marzano plum tomatoes from Italy, the olive oil and garlic. The Del Verde Ziti, even if it is $4 Bucks a box…cuz it’s the best. The “Hamburger meat” as we used to call it.
We didn’t say Ground Beef when I was a kid, nor did we say Pasta. It was Macaroni. The bread crumbs and the spices.
I even used my Mom’s turn handle food press to crush the tomatoes and her old aluminum colander to strain the macaroni.
I almost…ALMOST…forgot what my Mom’s food tasted like, well, until tonight. I made it just like she did.
Here’s to you Mom. Thanks for everything, I think I forgot to tell you that.
