My Grandma's Pizzelle- Isabella Rosinia

My Grandma, Gloria Rosinia, told me that that the pizelle was a traditional cookie that her mother used to make, but was likely passed down verbally from three or four generations before. Because this recipe was originally from Italy and travelled with my family for generations, it was likely to have been translated from an Italian dialect into English. However, because the process of language learning and writing is complex, it would have been much easier for the recipe to be passed down either through word of mouth or visual observation.

One of the most important and defining characteristics of the pizzelle is their intricate patterns, created from the iron used to bake the cookie. My grandmother explained that there are two different types of irons that can be used to make pizzelle- an electric iron and a gas iron. My grandmother has grown up using the gas iron technique. In fact, the gas waffle iron that my grandmother uses was passed down to her from her father. According to my grandmother, the iron is at least 100 years old. Oftentimes, when my grandmother would bake pizzelle for us, she would also bake cookies, both frosted and unfrosted, in the shape of knots and slices.

During my interview, I learned that the same batter used for the pizzelle can also be used for these simple, yet delicious cookies. My grandmother described the ritualistic nature of the pizzelle baking process. My grandmother stated that her mother used to make the batter, while her father would bake the pizzelle using the gas iron on the stovetop. While my great-grandfather would bake the cookies, he would say an "Our Father" for each side, to signal that the cooking time was completed. While my grandmother did not question why each of her parents performed the tasks they did, there are some aspects of the process that could serve as hints. Because the iron is not very light, it could be assumed that it has mostly men who would bake the pizzelle. This left the process of making the batter to the women. Certain recipes and dishes are associated with holidays or specific moments of celebration or grief in a family's history. My grandmother told me that although the pizzelle are recognized as a special treat for the holidays, especially Christmas, they can be enjoyed all year round. The simplicity of the ingredients and baking process make the pizzelle an easy and delectable treats for any day of the year.


About the Author: Isabella Rosinia is a law student and health law fellow at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English, along with minors in Italian Language, Psychology and Criminology, from Loyola University Chicago this past May. Isabella grew up in Little Italy and proudly traces her family's roots to the area upon their arrival in Chicago in the early 20th century. Isabella is grateful for the opportunity to combine her passion for Italian culture with her storytelling skills. She hopes to keep her family's legacy alive through active participation in this creative project.