This is a post from my instagram, but I thought I would add a little more to it.
“Prosciutto made by my late grandfather.
He passed away last year, and while I'm taking care of my grandmother I'm not only surrounded by his things, but actually still eating the food and drinking the wine he loved to make.
It brings up a lot of emotions, still being cared for and loved by the actions of someone no longer here. Having his prosciutto was something I always loved and looked forward to on every visit and I always secretly hoped he would give me some to take home.
I never asked him for it. In truth because I was ashamed to ask. I knew just how valuable it was and how much time and effort it took for him to make. It felt like I was stealing from him and being selfish. I don't think he ever saw it that way. He loved to give and provide for anyone that walked through his door.
So as I cut these few pieces that he made last year, I remember the wonderful things my grandfather did, and the time and effort he took to provide for his family and loved ones.”
These are some more photo’s of my grandparents cantina, where they stored all the food they worked so hard to prepare and make. Not only is this a special place because of the work involved, it’s also incredibly meaningful because this is a time capsule to another way of living. My grandparents are from the mountains of Italy and come from very humble beginnings. Things like a large freezer or fridge, or going to the local grocery store, were not a reality before they came to Canada. What you grew or killed yourself was how you survived and what you ate.
While we enjoy every luxury today and the ability to eat food from around the world whenever we want, the idea of having a cantina ties me to my families roots and teaches me to be humble. My Korean side of the family is quite similar as they worked hard to preserve foods like Kimchi in large pots underground to last the winter. Almost all cultures and people around the world have special traditions that helped them survive through hardship and adversity and I think it’s important that everyone keep those lessons and ideas close to their heart.