Famiglia e Cucina: Stories and Recipes from Northwestern Nevada's Italian-American Community

Celebrations and activities with friends and family seem, to a large extent, to serve as the glue binding together the Italian-American community in northwestern Nevada, and food and the social events surrounding it are important cultural markers for even third- and fourth-generation Italians. In many cases, long after members of a family may have stopped speaking Italian, that family's traditional dishes are still being prepared. In recognition of the importance of this culinary aspect of community life, the University of Nevada Oral History Program conducted a series of interviews on foodways, gathering recipes in the process.

The resulting book, Famiglia e Cucina, is more than a collection of recipes from some of the area's many Italian-American families. It includes stories and memories about family history, the cultural importance of food, and time-honored traditions. Part oral history, part cookbook, Famiglia e Cucina weaves together recipes and remembrances for a fascinating view of a vibrant and longstanding community with roots reaching back to the nineteenth century.

Famiglia e Cucina: Stories and Recipes from Northwestern Nevada's Italian-American Community. Reno: UNOHP, 2007. (paperback, 136 pages, illustrations, $19.95) ISBN 1-56475-397-2