Nana's Creole Italian Table: Recipes and Stories from Sicilian New Orleans

Nana's Creole Italian Table explores the influence of Sicilian foodways on New Orleans through the lens of food, sharing traditional family recipes and the evolution of Sicilian American culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

From the iconic meatball po boys to the rich and flavorful Creole red gravy, the culinary traditions of Sicily have left an indelible mark on New Orleans, renowned as one of the greatest food cities in the United States. Nana's Creole Italian Table takes readers on a captivating journey through the lives of these immigrants and their communities, exploring the profound influence of traditional Sicilian dishes on the vibrant food culture of New Orleans.

The story unfolds through the lens of food, delving into the ways in which Sicilian cuisine, including dishes like pasta and olive salad, seamlessly integrated into the existing culinary landscape of New Orleans. It also highlights how these dishes, in turn, were transformed and adapted by the local culinary traditions.

Sicilian immigrants, like Elizabeth M. Williams's family, flocked to New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking refuge from the political unrest and economic instability in their homeland. This cookbook serves as a treasured collection of Williams's traditional family recipes, passed down through generations. However, it goes beyond mere recipes, offering variations that showcase the evolution and fusion of Sicilian and Creole cuisines.

Each recipe is infused with the rich history of Sicilian American culture, reflecting the changes and adaptations that have taken place over centuries. This cookbook empowers the next generation of Sicilian Americans to embrace their heritage while incorporating their unique culinary tastes and traditions. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of culinary innovation and cultural fusion in New Orleans.

In conclusion, Nana's Creole Italian Table offers a delectable exploration of the intersection of Sicilian and Creole cuisines in New Orleans. Through the lens of food, it sheds light on the immigrant experiences, cultural adaptations, and the enduring legacy of Sicilian foodways in one of America's most celebrated culinary destinations.

Dimension: 229 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807177136