My great-great-grandmother moved to the United States from Italy sometime during the 1890s. When she moved, she wanted a little piece of home to stay with her family, so she made this ravioli for Christmas. I’m not sure why she would leave such a spectacular place, but I know that if she hadn’t my life would be very different. To my whole family, this is a reminder of our Italian roots. Ravioli helps us stay linked to our heritage because we have it every Christmas. This dish is a window into Italy for us. The job of hand-making ravioli has been passed down through generations, from my great-great-grandmother to my great-grandmother, to my grandmother, to my mother and her brother. I hope that soon it will be passed onto me and my sister. It also reminds me of family, happiness, and my childhood. Without it, I wouldn’t really feel connected to Italy and my great-great-grandmother. Ravioli is made from homemade pasta, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, and salt. They are coated with a tomato sauce that my mother makes. Whenever I eat these it reminds me of comfort and safety. 

– Charlotte Keany

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more