Dear Reader,
I want you to imagine a time when most folks ate vegetables and fruits from their own gardens, distilled their own wines, made their macaroni fresh and gathered at the same time every evening to eat dinner together.
The act of cooking the meal was often a family affair, serving it was an act of largesse while the presentation was a work of art. My memories take place in the kitchen, where it is warm and bright. I hear lively conversation, and the scents of fresh herbs and fragrant sauce will stay with me all the days of my life.
Cousin
Mafalda’s Cotoletta alla Milanese
is prepared while standing at the stove, with fresh ingredients. This northern Italian dish from the Lombardy region reflects the heritage of Chi Chi Donatelli, the songwriter in my story.
Cotoletta
does not take long to make, and you can substitute chicken or fish for the veal, but no matter what you choose to prepare, I hope you will remember your own mother or grandmother's favorite recipe as you make it. You know the recipe: the "go to," the no fail, delicious, recipe that everyone in the family likes, that is made and served on a regular basis.
Tony's Wife
is about working class people, who work hard all day in factories, mines, mills and plants, who aspire to make art. Every night they gather at their tables and eat the best food in the world because they know the secret all Italians hold: to feed your dreams you need three things: to eat well, sleep soundly and love deeply. This recipe will help you with the sustenance part!
Thank you for reading
Tony's Wife
and cooking along with the characters!
Much love,
Adriana Trigiani
