Mary Ann Esposito Visit

In November, Chef and TV Personality Mary Ann Esposito visited the library. One of our teens attended her visit and here's her report:

On November 17, Mary Ann Esposito, a renowned chef who prepares various delights inspired by the irresistible flavors of Italy, made an appearance at the Farmingdale Public Library. She shares her delectable recipes on her nationally televised PBS series, Ciao Italia as well as her 12 cookbooks that fill the shelves of bookstores everywhere. Her most recent cookbook, Ciao Italia Family Classics, features over 200 recipes passed down by three generations of family cooks. Fresh off the presses, her newest treasure was seen in the grip of nearly 300 spectators, all who find inspiration in the traditional Italian dishes she prepares. The sense of nostalgia she offers is accentuated in Ciao Italia Family Classics and transports us back to the old days, when sweet smells diffused through the air from the kitchen, where grandma, clad in her festive apron attempting to bring her meal to perfection, was a common sight.

Esposito discussed the importance of reinstalling the values of a healthy, hearty meal for the next generation, who seem to be bombarded with the temptations of unfulfilling fast foods.  Our poor eating habits here in America have a huge influence, and child obesity is now becoming a problem in Italy. She is all for the benefits of eating natural and healthy foods. Healthy meals do not have to be inedible. Esposito’s cookbooks are filled with healthy recipes. The key to a good meal is fresh ingredients. Esposito referenced the extensive garden she grows in her backyard. She gets all of her ingredients from her garden. She offered some advice on getting fresh vegetables. “I hate the supermarket,” she exclaimed, disgusted by the genetic engineered fruits and vegetables that litter the produce sections. An important part of living a healthy lifestyle is fresh and natural ingredients and having a garden allows you access to the freshest and healthiest ingredients, not induced with pesticides. 

 She reminded us of the benefits of eating a healthy home cooked meal together as a family. This value is the inspiration of her cookbook. “The best memories are made in the kitchen and around the table,” she ensured. She stresses the importance of not only the type of food a family eats, but how they eat it. She is all for eating together as a family.  If utilized well, dinner time can be a time for sharing everything from the events of your day to your hopes and dreams.  It inculcates the importance of family values. It is crucial that these values be carried down from generation to generation. 

When Esposito is sharing her tips for success, both inside and outside of the kitchen, she is dedicated to providing for the community. She has an organization that offers scholarships to young chefs springing into the culinary world. In addition, she takes a group of energetic chefs to Italy each year, where she teaches them her tricks of the trade, while they make an exclusive appearance on her PBS show.

Don’t try to make excuses around Mary Ann Esposito. She shunned at the typical excuse of not having the time to cook or eat together as a family. “Simplicity is the key, and it can make all the difference.” Mary Ann Esposito’s old school cooking style is refreshing in this evolving society.

By AJ