A Few Words About Lee Casazza
Born and raised on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Lee Casazza is a genuine “foodie” who loves to cook. Her interest in cooking started with her family’s southern background; growing up, her favorite place to be was in the kitchen helping her mom prepare their many southern-style recipes.
In 1967, Lee married Robert Paul Casazza, and her love of Italian cooking began. Bob and Lee would often drive to Richmond, Virginia, for Sunday dinners at the home of his grandparents, Ernest and Elisabeth Novello. This spot was a favorite destination for the extended family, with as many as twenty relatives, attending. Sunday gravy and homemade pastas were prepared by Elisabeth, affectionately known as “Mamaw.” It was where the entire family experienced “Old World” and “New World” recipes developed over many years, helping to define what Italian-American cooking has become today.
Lee is the fortunate recipient of recipes and secrets shared by both Mamaw and Bob’s mother Marie, who both had a firsthand knowledge of all the recipes passed down by generations of the Casazza and Noviello families. Over the years, Italian food has become an important part of Lee’s life. New cookbooks, articles, famous chefs, restaurants, and travels to Italy have been constant inspirations. These exposures to the world of Italian food preparation have allowed her to develop her own unique techniques.
In Washington, D.C., Lee had a successful career in real estate. After the family moved to Seattle in 1994, she was ready for new challenges. Lee designed and built a home and cottage on an island in the Pacific Northwest; she was both a carpenter and the general contractor on the projects. Today, Lee is an avid volunteer genealogist and an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Lee created “Big Mamma’s Italian-American Cooking” blog in March of 2011. This blog has developed into an ongoing collection of recipes passed down by the Casazza and Noviello families, with frequent new additions from Lee. It also includes historical family photos, recipe origins, and helpful preparation tips. Her blog has attracted followers from countries around the world.
As the author, chef, photographer, and researcher, Lee has put her “Italian heart” into this cookbook. Her love for her Italian-American family and her culinary devotion to Italian-American cooking has combined to produce the most delicious collection of recipes you’ll ever find.
What truly sets this cookbook apart are the talents of the four ladies in this Italian-America family. Meet Teresa Lapetina Greco, “Big Mamma,” Elisabeth Greco Noviello, “Mamaw,” Marie Noviello Casazza, and Lee Casazza.
Buon appetito!
