I’m sure we all have a moment, a time, or event that takes us back to our childhood. I am blessed with a lifetime of all of them.
Growing up in a home with a distinct Italian influence my parents emphasized being a proud Italian. My grandparents migrated to the United States in 1910. I’ve never known what brought them to Des Moines but they established a home on SE 1st & Jackson in a neighborhood known as “Little Italy.”
My grandfather passed before Dad’s second birthday so he and his six siblings were raised by their mother. She worked full time as a seamstress in a factory just down the street and ran a tight household that saw all of her children graduate from high school. Her life wasn’t easy but I don’t recall her ever complaining. It’s just what immigrants did.
Grace was a strong but gentle woman. She was known for her cooking and her garden so no one ever left her house hungry. Sunday’s were always a special day. Church followed by a huge sit down dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. As the story goes she cooked for the Giudicessi’s, Lacona’s and Riccelli’s all later names of successful restauranteurs.
Grandma’s control of dinner on Sunday was still an influence in my childhood. She’d come to our house and cooked enough pasta for Sunday afternoon and Tuesday nights. Over the years my mother learned to prepare spaghetti and meatballs just like grandma’s.
The tradition carried over to the holidays. The main difference was the spaghetti and meatballs were upgraded to an Italian casserole called “Pastachina.” A variation of the traditional dish but with smaller meatballs, hardboiled egg, mozzarella cheese with mostaccioli rigate noodles. All layered over and over in a huge casserole dish and baked until the cheese melted.
“Pastachina” wasn’t just for Christmas but every holiday. Who needed turkey on Thanksgiving or ham on Christmas or Easter when you could have pastachina?
As in most Italian homes dinner was a central focus and a celebration of the day as many other traditions were observed. At Christmas it was Advent calendars, nativity scenes, a crucifix on the wall, an aluminum rotating Christmas tree accented by a color wheel, Perry Como on the stereo, midnight mass and no gifts before Christmas morning.
Christmas was always a special day in our house. Mornings would start with an early visit from Santa Claus, a short prayer (in Italian) by grandma followed by visits from Dad’s brothers and cousins for a quick toast, hug and off they’d go.
By this time Mom and Grandma would be putting the pastachina together and prepare Christmas dinner.
I still see those days in my mind’s eye and always smile while I reflect on how great it was to experience Christmas with my Grandmother and all of her traditions. Damn I was lucky!
As time passed new traditions have been established with my family. Shari brought a welcoming spirit to each holiday, a love for Christmas decorating and a red Christmas tree. Everyone is welcome to join as Shari spends hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. Our home isn’t the biggest but holidays are for family and friends and no one really cares about being crowded.
The menu has expanded over the years. With the inclusion of what I call “American Food.” The buffet now includes ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, salads of various types with salad dressing other than just Italian, and things I’ve never heard of or yet to try.
I’m lucky that my grandmother and mom taught Joy and Ann to make “Pastachina” so I get to continue to be able to enjoy a dish that brings back so many wonderful memories. Not to mention the great taste!
This year our family is expanding with Janea, her daughter and future son-in-law along with Lori and Larry II. They will be joining the Giudicessi’s, Hutchinson’s and Septer’s.
Holidays are about traditions past, present, and future. Cherish and enjoy them all!
At this time of the year we’re often asked “what are you thankful for?” My response is for the tradition of an Italian-American family and the love that can bring memories and reality together.
Here’s hoping everyone has a “happy and memorable holiday season!”
November, 2023
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