LA CUCINA DELLA MIA BISNONNA: THE KITCHEN OF MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER by Lynn Tiramani
This book is a tribute to all the strong women in my life. I wanted to also make the rest of the world aware of this mouth-watering cuisine that hails from the land of Piacenza in Northern Italy. This lineage of inspiration began with my great-grandmother, Maria. Her unending determination despite great odds enabled her to open a restaurant. The restaurant would ultimately be transformed into a bed and breakfast which still exists today. The recipes that were born through that establishment were enhanced through the generations that followed, and continue to satisfy the many palates of various family members and friends.
I was born in Harlem and my family moved to the Bronx when I was a year old. My parents are Italian immigrants. They ventured here in the 1950’s to build a better life. I have one brother. I was educated in the Catholic School System. I have been working in the non-profit sector for thirty years. I chose the non-profit sector, because I wanted my presence in the world to be impactful. Although, my everyday employment has been rewarding, I needed to and feel very compelled to leave behind a part of my Italian heritage. A heritage which I am so proud of and because it is a great part of who I am. Hence, born from that need, is the story of their trails and tribulations and the wonderful cuisine that graced our dining room table every night.