Ideas for this portrait series have slowly grown in my imagination for many years. I’ve always loved watching people cook and the conversations that flow in these spaces. As I aged, I wanted photographs & stories of my grandparents in their kitchens. That time passed, without the opportunity to time travel back to the aromas & voices of their homes. Now, it has become a mission to photograph people of all ages in this collective project. So I started with my Dad.

Hope you enjoy these special memories with me.

-Andrea

Our family has enjoyed Pizzelles for many decades. They are thin, crispy Italian cookies that complement coffee and are promised to grandchildren after they eat dinner. My Grandparents used to make them in large batches and they were plentiful at family gatherings, especially Christmas and Easter. We’ve always called them “Waffles,” and only learned they are called Pizzelles a handful of years ago. Ours are always made with a distinct anise flavor, and Dad says it’s really the only way to make them.

Dad had a copy of the recipe tucked safely inside a Ziploc bag from an email sent in 1999. The ink was a little smudged & faded, but there was our family jewel: the coveted recipe for “waffles.” Dad sources his anise in Pennsylvania just like Grandpa & Grandma Bell did. The distinct aroma of anise lingers in the house like an incense that signals that we are close to experiencing something wonderful.

“Waffle Recipe” (Pizzelles)

1/2 lb Oleo
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
2 Teaspoons Vanilla*
1 Teaspoon Anise
1/2 Doz Eggs
5 Cups Flour
1 1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder

Love & God Bless all,
Mom

*Dad found this vanilla in Mexico with my Mom

A nice family in my Grandparents Pennsylvania neighborhood gifted them some Pizzelles in the 50’s. My family enjoyed these Italian cookies so much, they asked for the recipe from this family. It’s interesting how this lovely gesture induced a family tradition that would endure some sixty+ years later. Dad referred to the early days of making these cookies as a “labor of love.” He explained that before electric waffle irons, my Grandpa, John Bell, would brown each waffle over a gas flame one side at a time. I can’t imagine how long it would take to make a batch for seven sons and one daughter!

After Dad mixed the dough, we took a break to set-up the waffle irons. He surprised me with another family heirloom- the handheld Pizzelle iron that John Bell had used many years ago. This was such a beautiful reminder of my Grandpa’s legacy of love to serve his family with a delicacy he knew they loved. At some point, my Dad took over the honor of this tradition.

As my parents were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary last summer, and my Dad offered to make Waffles for the festivities. I’m so glad I asked him if I could photograph this process I’ve seen so many times. After watching him and listening to his stories, it dawned on me that this beautiful legacy is a way to connect with our Grandparents that have passed. I saw them in him while he was mixing and forming dough. I understand their commitment to have these on hand for grandchildren, and it is a beautiful gesture. He makes sure there are always enough.

-Andrea

If this resonated with you, please let me know! I always loved photographing food and having conversations in the kitchen.

If you are interested in having me capture a special memory in your family legacy, please email me.

Thank you for following along!