Cookbooks come and go, but every so often one lands on your kitchen counter and refuses to be shelved. Emily Richards’ Per La Famiglia: Memories and Recipes of Southern Italian Home Cooking is one of those rare gems. First published a decade ago, this cookbook has become more than just a trusted source of recipes—it’s a culinary memoir, a cultural bridge, and above all, a love letter to family. As Richards celebrates the 10th anniversary of this beloved book, it’s the perfect moment to revisit what makes it so enduring. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOcaKUEESZ2/
At its heart, Per La Famiglia is about connection. Richards grew up surrounded by the aromas and rituals of Southern Italian cooking, watching her mother, aunts, and nonnas transform simple ingredients into feasts that nourished body and soul. Many of those recipes, like countless others in immigrant kitchens, were never written down. With this book, she set out to capture them—before they slipped into memory. The result is a beautiful blend of tradition and practicality, preserving heritage while adapting it for today’s busy cooks.
The recipes are approachable without sacrificing authenticity. Take the classic spinach ricotta cannelloni: tubes of spinach and cheese, topped with tomato sauce, and baked to perfection. Richards offers tips to streamline preparation, making it achievable on a weeknight without losing the slow-cooked flavor that makes it special. There’s also her nonna’s meatballs—pillowy, tender, and simmered in sauce until they practically melt. Each dish feels like it comes with its own story, whether it’s Sunday suppers around the family table or a holiday gathering where the food mattered just as much as the company.
As we hunker down for the late fall colder nights, we surround ourselves with comforting food to warm body and spirit. Squash is a popular autumn vegetable, and you can enjoy it as a filling in Roasted Squash Agnolotti in our Recipe section. Make a large bunch of these delicious delights for company or freeze for a quick family dinner.
But what makes Per La Famiglia special isn’t just the recipes—it’s the warmth woven into every page. Richards writes with the voice of someone who has lived these traditions, who understands that Italian food is never just about eating. As she says, “Italians celebrate with food for their families. Often, the food is thought of before the guests.” That sentiment shines through in her storytelling, reminding us that the kitchen is where memories are made.
Visually, the book is equally compelling. The photography captures the rustic elegance of Southern Italian cooking: a bowl of spiced olives, a pork roast bursting with red pepper and prosciutto, and pastries dusted with just the right touch of icing sugar. These images don’t just make you hungry—they invite you in, urging you to roll up your sleeves and cook alongside Richards.
Ten years on, the book continues to resonate because it speaks to something timeless: the desire to gather, to share, to keep traditions alive through food. Whether you’re Italian by heritage or simply Italian at heart, Per La Famiglia offers a way to celebrate family, culture, and the pure joy of a well-cooked meal. For more entertaining and comforting food, order a copy of the book from https://www.whitecap.ca/Detail/177050348X or win it in our Giveaway section.
Emily Richards has worn many hats in her career—chef, food writer, television personality—but with Per La Famiglia, she cemented herself as a culinary storyteller. A decade later, this cookbook feels as fresh and relevant as ever, a reminder that the best meals are the ones that connect us to where we come from and to the people we love. Here’s to ten years of Per La Famiglia—and to many more Sunday dinners it will continue to inspire.
Contents and images used with permission by Whitecap Books Ltd. https://www.whitecap.ca/Detail/177050348X