“I don't have to move into Amanda's house to be present in her family. Even though I'm not there physically all the time, I want them to have something that says, 'I'm out here. I'm okay. I love you.' I want them to bite into a cookie, and think of me, and smile. Food is love. Food has a power. I knew it in my mind, but now I know it in my heart.” LoveFamilyFoodGinny Selvaggio Book:The Kitchen Daughter Source: The Kitchen Daughter
“Strong, good smells clash with each other, garlic against cinnamon, savory against sweet. Two dressings, Ma's traditional corn bread version as well as the stuffing she made last year for a change of pace, a buttery version with cherries and sausage and hazelnuts. The herb-brined turkey, probably larger than we need, and a challenge to manhandle into and out of the refrigerator. A deep dish of creamy, smooth mashed potatoes, riced and dried to make them thirsty, then plumped back up with warmed cream and butter. For dessert, a mocha cake I came up with one day. In the batter is barely sweetened chocolate and dark, strong coffee. The layers are sealed together with more chocolate, warmed up with a hint of ancho powder.” FamilyCookingRemembranceChocolate CakeThanksgiving DinnerGinny Selvaggio Book:The Kitchen Daughter Source: The Kitchen Daughter