PART I: The Story

Chapter 1: Goodbye Santa Flavia.

Cosimo (Dad), as a six-year old, and his  mother,  Vincenza, must leave their beloved Santa Flavia, Sicily for Milwaukee to join his father, Benedetto or “Mr. Ben,” whom they have not seen in three years.

Chapter 2: Celebrating St. Joseph Festival…then changes. 

Cosimo (Dad) is older, his father is one of the Milwaukee “Family” members, and conflicts arise between Vincenza and Mr. Ben including the path of life for their son, Cosimo.

 

Chapter 3:  A Trousseau, the Wedding and the Eighth Day Tradition.

Mafia influence continues to influence marriages, and now the lives of Cosimo – now Cosmo – and Mary Maisano Di Salvo.

Chapter 4: Di Salvo’s Restaurant, French-fried Shrimp & St Patrick’s Day.

How Dad, as the manager, influenced Mr. Ben to introduce menu changes to make the restaurant famous; the irony of “wearin’ o’ the green” (not an Irishman in the crowd), and the introduction of son, Benedict, and daughter, Vincenza.

Chapter 5: The 57th Wedding Anniversary: Who Could Forget?

Mom and Dad celebrate their 57th Wedding Anniversary in his hospital room with family and relatives – all friends – reminiscing with bootlegging and deportation stories retold, favorite recipes and frank conversations.

Other Embraceable Photographs
Epilogue

PART II: The Recipes

Almond Slices to Zucchini Bread: 75 recipes for all kinds of tastes.

PART III: Scout & Willy Bear’s Recipes with          Introduction

Photograph and Recipes from our family members Scout and Willy Bear… they, too, are Sicilian Loves.

PART IV: Food Groups Guide to Recipes and Story

List of Food Groups and Page Numbers in Story
Recipe Index