A Love Letter to Italian Culinary Heritage

I moved to Italy more than two years ago, having lived in and traveled to many different countries and continents. Throughout my ventures, food and diverse culinary cultures have always been the most exciting part for me in exploring different lands and their people. And Italy has taken a special place in my heart.

Penne alla vodka (source: author's personal archive)

One of the most eye (and flavor)-opening experiences in my life was the opportunity to live in Italy and learn about its rich history and traditions through the world of food. There is something truly magical about the Italian ways of turning humble everyday ingredients into phenomenal heart-warming dishes bringing friends and loved ones closer together. Not only the long-lasting traditions related to cooking but also the seasonality and freshness of the ingredients as well as a strong community feeling embrace such a rich relationship with food. After all, it explains, why Italians are one of the longest-living societies in the world.

After spending my time eating away, traveling to different regions, and doing further research it suddenly clicked in me! Everything that we consume — from information to food — has a direct impact on how we feel. It is partly due to our brain-gut axis and a two-way street communication between the two, which is responsible for many crucial functions, such as the immune system, hormone production, digestion, mental health, and even our instincts referred to as the “gut feeling”. While it is just one piece of life’s puzzle, it is a significant one.

The good thing is that it’s possible to improve your health by choosing rich, nutritious, and delicious food, achievable through the easy and fun recipes I will share with you!

Let’s get cookin’ some happy food.