(Cue the aunt from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, “What do you mean he don’t eat no meat? That’s okay, I make lamb.”)

“CREEES-teee-NAH! How can you be eetalian if you don’t dreenk coffee? Am gonna make one for you, and you’re gonna like it!” Well, that was the wrong answer! She then exclaimed, Once, when I was visiting my aunt, she asked me if I wanted an espresso, as everyone was having coffee. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like, “I’m going to pick up la cake,” or “mehttele raynd eeh garbeege” (pronounced “gahr-BEEGE”) which is partially dialect, and translates to “put it in the garbage.” She lives in Toronto-the Italian part, of course-where they often speak “Italese”, which is Italian and Inglese (English) mixed together. Heaven help you if you say anything slightly derogatory about anything or anyone, even remotely Italian, as she will promptly ensure that you are enlightened as to why you are wrong.Īn Alitalia flight attendent once gave her a bottle of champagne mid-flight solely because she was so pro-Italia! She was born in Italy, but it’s more than a love for one’s country as her passion exceeds that 100 times over. No, really–I am being completely serious. TO SKIP THE STORY, SCROLL DOWN TO THE PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD, My Zia (Aunt) Francesca adores Italy more than anyone I know.Īs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This penne alla vodka recipe is a super quick and easy pasta dish that you’ll make over and over again, with Zia Francesca’s stamp of approval!

Halfbaked harvest vodka sauce