For me, Robert Kline, food is more than sustenance – it’s a universal language of love and connection. As an artist, I’m drawn to the creativity inherent in both art and cooking. My Sicilian heritage, passed down through generations, has profoundly shaped my relationship with food. We don’t just eat to live; we live to eat, celebrating life’s moments, big and small, with a table laden with delicious food.
From Sicilian Roots to American Soil
My family’s journey to America in 1914 led them to Buffalo, New York, a world away from our small town of Canicatti in Sicily. They carried with them the spirit of our ancestors, hardworking farmers who sustained themselves from the land. While they didn’t establish a vineyard in Buffalo, their deep respect for food and tradition remained.
A trip to Sicily in 2018 solidified my connection to our heritage. Seeing our family name, “La Lomia,” woven into the fabric of Canicatti brought to life the stories passed down through generations.
A Culinary Love Letter: Italian Thanksgiving
While we embrace the traditional American Thanksgiving, our family celebrates “Italian Thanksgiving” with equal fervor. From Friday to Sunday, we gather, a testament to the enduring power of family and food. The menu is a constant, a symphony of flavors rooted in our Sicilian heritage:
- Spaghetti, bathed in rich, tangy red sauce, is a must-have, sparking lively debates about the “authentic” recipe.
- Meatballs, tender and flavorful, represent the heart of Italian comfort food.
- Italian sausage, bursting with savory spices, adds a touch of rustic charm.
- Braciole, a labor of love, is a testament to my Aunt Carmella’s culinary prowess.
- Lasagna, layered with flavor and tradition, embodies the warmth of family gatherings.
And, of course, no Italian feast is complete without a curated selection of wines, adding a touch of sophistication and celebration.
The Evolution of Tradition
Just like a piece of art that evolves with time and the artist’s experiences, our family recipes have undergone subtle transformations throughout the years. The addition of boiled eggs to our pasta sauce, a nod to our ancestor’s resourcefulness, speaks volumes about adapting traditions without compromising their essence.
Family enjoying a meal together
The Art of Storytelling Through Food
This year, our Italian Thanksgiving was hosted in Baltimore. While not everyone could make the journey, the spirit of tradition remained. My aunt and uncle, armed with Aunt Carmella’s meticulously documented braciole recipe, took on the culinary challenge, their efforts a testament to the love and respect for our heritage.
Preparing braciole
As Elizabeth Williams, author of “Nana’s Creole Italian Table,” aptly puts it, immigrant cooking is a beautiful fusion of cultures. It’s about honoring traditions while embracing the flavors and ingredients of a new home.
A final braciole masterpiece
A Legacy of Love and Flavor
The heart of handmade lies in the stories woven into each creation. Just like a handmade gift, our family recipes are treasures passed down, connecting us to our past and enriching our present. They are a testament to the power of food to transcend time and distance, bringing us together in a tapestry of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Have you experienced the joy of sharing family traditions through food? Share your own stories in the comments below. And for more unique, handmade gifts that celebrate the art of giving, browse the collection on Robert Kline Art – because every occasion deserves a touch of handcrafted love.