Angela Bell’s Beautiful Italian Mother

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Hi there,

Prepare to be transported to a heartwarming family dinner as I introduce you to Angela Bell and her lovely mother, Sylvia. Angela’s captivating blog, https://hashtagretired.com, recently featured a photo that took me on a nostalgic trip to my mother-in-law’s house. Eager to share this beautiful memory with my readers, I asked Angela to pen a post for my May edition. What follows is Angela’s heart-touching story that will leave you longing for the warmth of family dinners.

We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner….

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sylvia’s journey… a homage

In her tiny pink and turquoise kitchen, with African violets blooming happily on the windowsill, Sylvia, my mother, consistently turned out one culinary “win” after another. Whether humble week night supper, Sunday dinner, or holiday feast, all were utterly delicious. Nary a cake, pie, or cookie disappointed. She was a first-generation Italian-American, but her cooking skills were more expansive, acquired over a lifetime of experience in and beyond the kitchen. Looking back on the milestones in her life, I can see the impact of each on her culinary expertise…

Her mother died when she is eight. Her oldest sister began teaching her to cook. Sylvia quickly conquered all of the beloved Italian staples. 

She left school at 14 to go to work, where she was introduced to other types of food. Her Pennsylvania Dutch co-worker’s mother taught her to make sand tarts and shoofly pie.

She kept house for her father during the Depression and was on her own during the war years, after he passed. She learned to “make do” when ingredients were costly or in short supply.

She married Dominic after the war. They set up housekeeping in Hyde Park, MA. A trade deal: their landlady prepared old-fashioned New England Yankee favorites; my mother took charge on “Prince Spaghetti Night.” 

My parents discovered The Toll House Inn in Whitman, MA, birthplace of what is still the nation’s cookie of choice. Owner Ruth Wakefield’s Toll House Cookbook became Sylvia’s faithful kitchen companion for more than 40 years, when it passed to my bookshelf. 

We three packed up for Pennsylvania, where my mother opened Sylvia’s Beauty Salon in our home. Her customers freely shared favorite recipes: “Mrs. George’s Soft Sugar Cookies,” “Jane Brown’s Sand Tarts,” “Alice Ann Jones’ Chestnut Cake.” 

She always saved a blueberry muffin for the mailman and the milkman. She was never too busy or too tired—even when she was—to cook or bake for others, especially when they hit those inevitable rough patches. 

My parents caught The French Chef bug, then fell for Romangoli’s Table. Gnocchi verdi quickly became a family favorite. 

I graduated from Penn State and started my grown-up life. Their nest empty, Sylvia and Dominic traveled. They regaled us with memories of their culinary adventures in Europe, especially—of course—Italy.

She encouraged her grandchildren to cook and bake. My 8-year-old son tried the macaroni stick—it was a hit—and my daughter was inspired to pursue a career in food and wine.

Sylvia would have bristled at being called a “foodie,” because it wasn’t the food that mattered to her, or to my father—it was the making of the food and the purpose of the food, that underpinning love for happily well-fed people, people she cared about, gathered at her table or their own. She led by example before anyone coined the phrase, and the good she did lives on in a thousand ways.

Below is a very easy recipe for one of my childhood favorites. It’s a smaller, round version of crochette (croquettes), best made with boiled russets, mashed by hand without milk or butter. If you use leftovers made with milk and butter, you may need to increase the flour a bit. During the hard years, the Depression and then the war, my mother told me that something like this, paired with well-cooked flat Italian green beans, salted and liberally tossed in olive oil and garlic, provided a more than sufficient supper.

Italian Potato Cakes

3 cups mashed potatoes, cooled and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg, beaten

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 sprigs parsley and one clove of garlic, chopped very fine (Sylvia chopped them together)

Add the flour and baking powder to the mashed potatoes, stirring or whisking to combine. Add the egg, cheese, and parsley/garlic and blend well. Drop by generously rounded tablespoons full into hot vegetable oil and fry until golden. Note: These could probably be done in the oven or in an air fryer if you’re skittish about deep frying. Sylvia fried everything in Gemma Oil, a vegetable/olive oil mix, in a small cast iron skillet was worth its weight in gold.

 Thank you, Angela, for sharing Sylvia’s story with us and this mouth-watering recipe, a classic example of cucina povera.

31 responses to “Angela Bell’s Beautiful Italian Mother”

  1. Nice story that brings back memories of years gone by. I think we would have all been privileged to find a seat at Sylvia’s table. Family history is a thing to be valued.

  2. Angie@Angie's Recipes – Angie's Recipes is an interactive blog dedicated to sharing yummy & creative recipes, helpful cooking hints and tips. Enjoy your visit and spread the word!
    Angie@Angie’s Recipes says:

    What a sweet and beautiful family story! My parents in law would totally enjoy those potato cakes.

    • Thanks Angie, I totally love those potato cakes but I think you know that because I always drool over any of your recipes that contain potatoes.

  3. Angela – New England-born, Pennsylvania raised, and 100% Italian-American, I've been writing since Sister Mary Dolores taught me how. My husband's a concrete sequential Leo and I’m a daydreaming Pisces, which makes life just a bit more interesting, as do our kids, grands, and the inimitable Miss Puppy Clouseau.
    Angela says:

    Thank you, Bernadette, for sharing your wonderful blog with me.

  4. Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen – I'm a writer, cook, gardener, photographer, poet, quilter, and accomplished daydreamer. I'm also a wife, mother, grandmother, sister. cousin, aunt, and friend, no particular order on any given day. I've been a writer all my life, newspaper reporter and columnist, radio news writer, and magazine contributor, and poet and short-story writer as the spirit moves. Now, I turn my attention to my cookbook, the blog, and a cooking column "Memorable Meals," which runs in our county newspaper. Besides my family, I love dogs, cats, good coffee, and my never-dwindling pile of books I intend to read. Our family ran a small Vermont Inn for 18 years, with our focus on local, organic ingredients. After many years of daily serving up of our local delicacies, cooking classes, and catering, we are now only open for special events, and the odd cooking class as the spirit moves me. We also host musicians and artists, having helped produce a musical festival and other musical events for nearly 20 years. Many incredible artists have found a place at our table. Wonderful experiences, we will treasure always. My family and friends are my practice subjects. With a family that includes nut, peanut, tree fruit, and vegetable allergies, gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, vegetarians, vegans, heart conscious, and a couple of picky eaters, there has to be a few quick tricks in the book to keep everyone fed and happy! Personally, I do not eat red meat or most dairy (usually) for health reasons, making the occasional exception at Thanksgiving and Christmas or our anniversary if the duck is locally raised. I do eat fish and seafood, so I try to come up with alternatives and substitutions when available. I serve local organic eggs and cheeses to my family who can tolerate dairy (My husband recently had a heart attack, and I need to watch my own cholesterol so I am careful, but have been known to let a little piece of really good cheese accidentally fall on my plate!). I believe strongly that eating in a way that is good for our planet is also good for our bodies! I cook by the seasons and draw on inspiration from the strong and talented women in my family who came before me, as well as the youth in the family who look at the world with fresh eyes. Food links us all, whether sharing a meal, cooking it together, or writing about it for others to enjoy. I love taking an old recipe and giving it a modern spin, especially if I can make it a littler healthier and use foods that are kinder to the Earth and to our bodies. I believe strongly in sustainable, delicious eating of whole foods, and the wonderful flavors we have at our fingertips! And finally, I love conversing with all the talented cooks and chefs out there who dot the globe! It's a wonderful, world full of culinary pen pals, and I cherish them all! XXXOOO Dorothy
    Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen says:

    What a lovely story! My own mom was named Sylvia, and I found myself inserting her face in this story, even though she did not have an Italian bone in her body!

      • Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen – I'm a writer, cook, gardener, photographer, poet, quilter, and accomplished daydreamer. I'm also a wife, mother, grandmother, sister. cousin, aunt, and friend, no particular order on any given day. I've been a writer all my life, newspaper reporter and columnist, radio news writer, and magazine contributor, and poet and short-story writer as the spirit moves. Now, I turn my attention to my cookbook, the blog, and a cooking column "Memorable Meals," which runs in our county newspaper. Besides my family, I love dogs, cats, good coffee, and my never-dwindling pile of books I intend to read. Our family ran a small Vermont Inn for 18 years, with our focus on local, organic ingredients. After many years of daily serving up of our local delicacies, cooking classes, and catering, we are now only open for special events, and the odd cooking class as the spirit moves me. We also host musicians and artists, having helped produce a musical festival and other musical events for nearly 20 years. Many incredible artists have found a place at our table. Wonderful experiences, we will treasure always. My family and friends are my practice subjects. With a family that includes nut, peanut, tree fruit, and vegetable allergies, gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, vegetarians, vegans, heart conscious, and a couple of picky eaters, there has to be a few quick tricks in the book to keep everyone fed and happy! Personally, I do not eat red meat or most dairy (usually) for health reasons, making the occasional exception at Thanksgiving and Christmas or our anniversary if the duck is locally raised. I do eat fish and seafood, so I try to come up with alternatives and substitutions when available. I serve local organic eggs and cheeses to my family who can tolerate dairy (My husband recently had a heart attack, and I need to watch my own cholesterol so I am careful, but have been known to let a little piece of really good cheese accidentally fall on my plate!). I believe strongly that eating in a way that is good for our planet is also good for our bodies! I cook by the seasons and draw on inspiration from the strong and talented women in my family who came before me, as well as the youth in the family who look at the world with fresh eyes. Food links us all, whether sharing a meal, cooking it together, or writing about it for others to enjoy. I love taking an old recipe and giving it a modern spin, especially if I can make it a littler healthier and use foods that are kinder to the Earth and to our bodies. I believe strongly in sustainable, delicious eating of whole foods, and the wonderful flavors we have at our fingertips! And finally, I love conversing with all the talented cooks and chefs out there who dot the globe! It's a wonderful, world full of culinary pen pals, and I cherish them all! XXXOOO Dorothy
        Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen says:

        I’m working on a tribute to my own mom, but it hasn’t completely come together yet. May is bittersweet for me, her birthday, mother’s day, and her death day!

      • Ah, just as you say May must bring many different emotions. Hopefully the memories bring more smiles than tears. I am born in May and married in May. Maya was born in May. And then, there is Mother’s Day. Poor Dom goes broke in May.

      • Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen – I'm a writer, cook, gardener, photographer, poet, quilter, and accomplished daydreamer. I'm also a wife, mother, grandmother, sister. cousin, aunt, and friend, no particular order on any given day. I've been a writer all my life, newspaper reporter and columnist, radio news writer, and magazine contributor, and poet and short-story writer as the spirit moves. Now, I turn my attention to my cookbook, the blog, and a cooking column "Memorable Meals," which runs in our county newspaper. Besides my family, I love dogs, cats, good coffee, and my never-dwindling pile of books I intend to read. Our family ran a small Vermont Inn for 18 years, with our focus on local, organic ingredients. After many years of daily serving up of our local delicacies, cooking classes, and catering, we are now only open for special events, and the odd cooking class as the spirit moves me. We also host musicians and artists, having helped produce a musical festival and other musical events for nearly 20 years. Many incredible artists have found a place at our table. Wonderful experiences, we will treasure always. My family and friends are my practice subjects. With a family that includes nut, peanut, tree fruit, and vegetable allergies, gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, vegetarians, vegans, heart conscious, and a couple of picky eaters, there has to be a few quick tricks in the book to keep everyone fed and happy! Personally, I do not eat red meat or most dairy (usually) for health reasons, making the occasional exception at Thanksgiving and Christmas or our anniversary if the duck is locally raised. I do eat fish and seafood, so I try to come up with alternatives and substitutions when available. I serve local organic eggs and cheeses to my family who can tolerate dairy (My husband recently had a heart attack, and I need to watch my own cholesterol so I am careful, but have been known to let a little piece of really good cheese accidentally fall on my plate!). I believe strongly that eating in a way that is good for our planet is also good for our bodies! I cook by the seasons and draw on inspiration from the strong and talented women in my family who came before me, as well as the youth in the family who look at the world with fresh eyes. Food links us all, whether sharing a meal, cooking it together, or writing about it for others to enjoy. I love taking an old recipe and giving it a modern spin, especially if I can make it a littler healthier and use foods that are kinder to the Earth and to our bodies. I believe strongly in sustainable, delicious eating of whole foods, and the wonderful flavors we have at our fingertips! And finally, I love conversing with all the talented cooks and chefs out there who dot the globe! It's a wonderful, world full of culinary pen pals, and I cherish them all! XXXOOO Dorothy
        Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen says:

        My poor mom. Her birthday was the 16th, and often overlapped Mother’s Day, so she got one big party rather than two!
        What is it about May? My sister (the 29th) and brother (today) were also born in May, as was my favorite Aunt. Definitely a busy month!

      • May 15 here and I know how your Mom felt about Mother’s Day. It is sort of like being born on Christmas Eve.

  5. Ron – Eslöv, Sweden – I’m Ron the blogger and will be writing, cooking, traveling and photographing my way through my European retirement. Hope you visit us at www.lostinapot.com.
    Ron says:

    Bravo Angela for penning such a heartwarming story and thanks Bernadette for hosting a favorite blogger of mine. Now, I must go and explore your site as it my kind of place.

  6. Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
    Darlene says:

    I love this story about Angela’s mother and her connection to food. The potato pancakes look delicious, a staple in our home growing up too. It was amazing how these women could create such tasty meals out of simple ingredients.

  7. Chef Mimi – As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!
    Chef Mimi says:

    A beautiful post.

  8. sammee44 – Victoria, BC – I am a West Coast Reader and Writer who enjoys the big and little things in Life. My philosophy is–if you don't enjoy those precious moments and savour the joy, then how can you appreciate the little things that crosses your daily path?
    sammee44 says:

    Thank you Angela and Bernadette–This was simple, very easy to make and got eaten as fast as I made them!

  9. Awakening Wonders – Everyday life is filled with wondrous things and embraceable moments, but only if we allow ourselves to be fully awakened. I invite you to join me as I share passionate life adventures and ramblings that awaken my spirit. I look forward to awakening your senses to the simple, joyous wonders that are all around us. I feel that we are destined to become soulful adventurers!
    Awakening Wonders says:

    A beautiful stories of day past, thanks for sharing!

  10. Hi Bernadette, a simply lovely post about Sylvia and her love of cooking. A delightful share.

  11. the Painted Apron – Life is all about creativity for me, as long as I'm creating something I am happy! I hope I will inspire your daily life and give you ideas for your own wonderful creations!
    Jenna says:

    Lovely story, thanks for sharing~

  12. Retirement Reflections – Vancouver Island, BC – Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
    Retirement Reflections says:

    What a heartwarming and uplifting post. Thank you Angela and Bernadette.
    I will definitely give those potato cakes a try!

  13. Nancy – Arizona – Two Trails become One Road in Arizona. Read All About the Adventures of this Arizonian.
    Nancy says:

    What a wonderful and heartwarming tribute to Sylvia! And the recipe has been saved… thank you!
    Loved the opening picture!
    Happy Mother’s Day!

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