Mumma’s Kitchen

Edited by Helen Addison-Smith and George Papaellinas, ABC Books, 2004, http://shop.abc.net.au

Mumma’s kitchen is always a special place, more so if ‘mumma’ has brought a rich heritage of recipes from her homeland. Here various prominent Australians share memories of their own mothers in the kitchen, along with anecdotes concerning the family favourite dishes which follow each chapter.

Antoinetta’s  pasta and fagioli is shared by her son, Stefano de Pieri; Charmaine Solomon’s daughter Nina Harris, reminisces on growing up in a household blessed with fine food and jazz music, then gives a recipe for balachuang about which she advises ‘indulge at your own peril!’ because it is so spicy.

There’s Eleni’s braised lemon scented baby lamb, and Ruth’s banana delight, Judy’s Aussie shepherd’s pie, and Susan’s pig’s trotters in sweet vinegar.

Nostalgic and tasty fare.