In October 2013, my son set up MammaSera.com as a tribute to my mother, Aïda who inspired me to become the wife and mother that I am today. My mother was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain, and she did so with style!  Like her mother before her, food was more than nourishment, it was about Love and Family.

Growing up all over the world, I was lucky to be exposed to different cuisine, but to this day, what resonates most with me is Mediterranean food. When I married, over thirty years ago, I had never cooked. I did not know how to make coffee!  Out of necessity, as well as a yearning to create a loving home, my experimentation began. Luckily, my husband was very encouraging and patient! Here is what I learned: my palate, memory of delicious foods, and imagination helped guide me to cook… Once my children were born, I learned that food had to be introduced carefully and that it was critical for their development. I plunged into books on nutrition because I wanted to feed my kids the best food I could for their growing bodies. I felt the responsibility to do right by them,  to navigate the many choices of our modern culture, and to teach them what I knew.  I guess it was natural then, to plop them in the kitchen right alongside me and have them be involved!  Not only was it fun, but we were able to elevate what could be a mundane activity to one of loving interaction and bonding.

Over the years, I’ve collected about 300 recipes from friends, family, tv shows, articles and good old fashioned experimentation. Not bad for being self-taught!  Since My All-Time Favorite Recipes folder is bursting at the seams, I’m going to focus my efforts to bring you my most requested recipes….and to actually put them in a format. (This came as a result of my grown kids and friends asking  me for my  recipes and how-to’s–only to realize I always “wing it” and rarely follow a process twice! )

My goal is simple: I hope to show others that cooking need not be intimidating, and that it is a wonderful way to connect with family and friends. It is creative, fun and a genuinely loving thing to do for those you care about.  With practice, it will become effortless and your life will be richer for it.

My philosophy: I believe there is alchemy in food that is prepared with love as being extra nourishing~ versus one that is slapped together by someone that would rather be doing something else! Honor yourself and others with this awareness.

Lastly, though this blog was intended for my four children and friends , I welcome you into my circle!  I want to share all of what I know, and pass the love onto you…..

Muá!

-Mamma Sera

P.S.  Joe, are you eating well at school? I have Pasta e Fagioli in the fridge. Love you!