The Macaroni's in the Basement: Stories and Recipes, South Brooklyn 1947

Fran Claro rolls out the welcome mat and invites us into the lives of four lively Italian grandmas in post-World War II Brooklyn. You can almost smell the aroma of roasting garlic and hear the laughter of the nonnas punctuating their daily conversations about the truly important things in life-family, faith, and the best way to prepare roast pork. Opinionated, witty and ever mindful of what's cooking for dinner, Maddelana, Giuseppina, Aniella, and Concetta concern themselves with making sure all things in the neighborhood are as they should be. From hatching matchmaking schemes and advising young mommies to providing the proper desserts for funerals and enforcing the no talking rule in church (for others, not themselves), the nonnas generously share their wisdom and experience with those who asked and those who don't. Fran Claro serves up a savory slice of Americana, complete with mouth-watering recipes straight from the nonnas themselves. The Macaroni's in the Basement is a treat for the soul and the tastebuds.