Today I made crostoli for the first time and I made them for my father. Crostoli are a delightfully light and sweet pastry to have during times of celebration. Mamma says she learnt to make them from her zia ‘Rica (aunt Enrica) at Gorgo del Monticano (in the Veneto region) during the war. Once my parents had retired, papa’ used to help mamma cut the pastry into beautiful bows before frying them. I remember them in the kitchen, working away together making crostoli.
Last Christmas he said to me “ma Paoletta, dove ti ga impara’ a cusinar cosi’ ben?” (Istrian dialect meaning “where did you learn to cook so well?”), knowing full well my mother taught me to cook. I wish I could hear him say those words again. I wish he could taste the crostoli I made. He would probably tell me to take off the icing sugar, he liked them plain. He would be happy though that I added a splash of grappa to the pastry, just enough lemon zest and that they are light and crisp.
He passed away a few days ago and tomorrow family and friends will be celebrating his wonderful 90 year life. I will bring the crostoli to share and I will think how very much I miss him.
Crostili look great mmm wish I could have one now
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Beautiful blog post zia Paola, I love that you included his words in Istrian dialect xxx
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Oh I am so sorry to hear that! My condolences to you and your family. x
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Thank you Fiona, it has been a hard week but I have lovely and special memories of a memorable man X
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So sorry to learn of your loss. Your father lives on in your words, and your heart. Lovely, it made me think of family, thank you.
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Thanks for your kind words Daniel, we miss him very much. Family is so very important and a loss makes you realize it all the more
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[…] Post navigation ← Crostoli for my father […]
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[…] seen us through good times, when we celebrated birthdays with friends and bad times, such as when my father passed away. It is part of my heritage and an integral part of […]
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[…] celebration of what would have been my father’s 91st birthday. Regular readers will know he passed away a few months ago. He loved apple strudel so it was only fitting that she make it for his […]
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Dear Livia,
I recently lost my father as well, and like your Dad it seems, he was quite a cook. One of my fondest memories is my father cutting the huge leg of lamb for Sunday dinner. I have many of his recipes to remember him by, but the one I didn’t have was for his crostoli. What I do remember is that he also didn’t add any butter or oil to his dough. Thanks so much for the recipe. My son and I are going to be making these for the holiday’s just like he used to.
Renee Carlo
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Dear Renee, thanks for reading my blog and you taking the time to comment. Losing one’s father is such a major event – I don’t think you ever get over it completely. It is lovely that you have memories. I am so glad you found the crostoli recipe – are you italian? Your name certainly is (Carlo). My mother (Livia)’s maiden name was Carli – almost like yours. Good luck with the crostoli – they are fun to make!
Paola
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[…] celebration of what would have been my father’s 91st birthday. Regular readers will know he passed away a few months ago. He loved apple strudel so it was only fitting that she make it for his […]
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Your post is very beautiful. So nice of you to share your Family experience with us. Thank you so much!
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Thank you for taking the time to read & comment. I still remember this time like it was yesterday
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