Over the years, we've received numerous letters, many of which have been accompanied by family recipes, stories, and photos that we've published in Italian Cooking & Living in a section called Heirloom.

We’ve enjoyed sharing these stories with our readers. Each of them demonstrate with such simplicity and clarity the way in which childhood memories, smells, and flavors are so profoundly embedded in our being.

With this idea in mind, we decided to put this notebook together so that you can share with your family and with others this very rich and simple collection of stories and recipes.