For over three decades, Nancy Wilson collected anecdotes and recipes from Louisiana’s Italian immigrants, including her family and friends, as a way to preserve her children’s Italian heritage. Included here alongside lively personal commentary are historical and cultural facts about Italian American immigration patterns, religious institutions and festivals such as St. Joseph’s Day, and over one hundred recipes from “the old country.”

This collectable volume will appeal as much to cultural historians as to those seeking their Italian grandmother’s fava bruschetta instructions. Recipes include Mama’s Italian Bread, eggplant casserole, olive salad, Aunt Lena’s Ricotta, rosary cake, osso bucco, St. Joseph’s Day breadcrumbs, and more. Wilson also includes a glossary and an illustrated how-to for making your own mud oven to bake authentic Italian bread.

The down-to-earth voices collected in Louisiana’s Italians, Food, and Folkways make this an interesting blend of personal and public history and a delicious celebration of the Italian’s love of God, food, and family.

Louisiana's Italians, Food, Recipes & Folkways