Welcome to Nanny’s Italian Kitchen!
Here, you can find all my latest homemade Italian recipes on my YouTube channel. I also love sharing stories about my family and friends through my videos and personal blog. My blogs feature tales from my childhood in Harlem, NY, anecdotes about my children and grandchildren, and, of course, my beloved recipes. I’ve even compiled a cookbook called “Mangia, It’s Good for You,” filled with my favorite holiday dishes.
Family is the cornerstone of life, and having a few good friends is a true blessing. My late sister-in-law Angie once said, “True friends are really hard to come by. If you have one or two really good friends, you’re batting a thousand.” Sadly, I lost two of my dearest friends this year, just months apart.
My family has deep roots in Italy. My maternal grandfather, Vito, was a fisherman from Palermo who came to the United States as a stowaway at the turn of the 19th century. My maternal grandmother, Anna (Nanine), and my great-grandmother, Rose, came from Naples. They settled in Little Italy in East Harlem and had 14 children, though sadly, two died young, and another passed away at 21. My mother, Domenica (known as Minnie), was their firstborn. My grandfather eventually opened Tocco’s Fish Market on 113th Street and First Avenue.
Growing up in East Harlem in the fifties and sixties, I was surrounded by family. My aunts, uncles, and cousins all lived within a two-block radius. Summers were spent sleeping on fire escapes, escaping the heat without air conditioning. The men would rig the fire hydrants (or “Johnnie Pumps”) to spray water, creating our own summer camp. Sundays were reserved for family dinners at Grandma Nanine’s three-bedroom apartment, where my grandmother and aunts cooked up a feast while I watched and learned.
I hope this website, along with my videos and recipes, provides you with valuable tips and heartfelt stories. Whether you’re here for cooking advice, blog posts, or a good laugh, I’m confident you’ll find something to enjoy.
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