rodrigo Stone

A Hearty Winter Favorite from My Nonna’s Kitchen Growing up in an Italian-American household, winter weekends were a delicious symphony of sizzling garlic, bubbling marinara, and the savory perfume of my grandmother’s homemade meatballs wafting through the kitchen. Nonna believed that a good meatball wasn’t just food—it was comfort, warmth, and family wrapped in one. … Read more

When I think back to my childhood kitchen, the aroma of sizzling garlic and herbs fills my memory. My grandmother, born and raised in the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, had a gift for turning the simplest ingredients into something magical. While her meatballs were traditionally made with beef or veal, I’ve created a lighter, equally … Read more

There’s something truly magical about the cold months in Sweden—snowy landscapes, the glow of candlelight in every window, and the irresistible aroma of Swedish meatballs simmering in a creamy gravy. This was a staple on my Nonna’s winter table, oddly enough, as she adored Scandinavian cuisine. I remember those frosty evenings when she’d lovingly mix … Read more

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a beautifully golden, slow-roasted rotisserie chicken. Whether it’s the scent wafting through a cozy kitchen in winter or the star of your summer BBQ, this dish never disappoints. For me, it brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where Sunday dinners often featured a chicken turning slowly on the spit, … Read more

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the aroma of meatballs simmering in a pot of rich marinara sauce. It brings me right back to my grandmother’s rustic kitchen in southern Italy, where love was measured in handfuls of fresh herbs and scoops of grated Parmesan. This Italian meatballs recipe is as close to her traditional version … Read more

There’s something magical about the aroma of sizzling herbs and grilled meat on a warm summer evening. Growing up in an Italian household, Mediterranean cuisine was always close to home — but it was my neighbor, Yia Yia Eleni, who introduced me to the wonders of Greek meatballs. Her recipe, filled with fresh mint, oregano, … Read more