A Peck of Peppers: Winner of Essay Contest Shares Italian Heritage

A North Wilmington resident tells a poignant tale about her family’s efforts to cultivate the seeds that came to America from Italy’s Abruzzo region in 1912.

Cathy Branciaroli of North Wilmington recently won first place for her personal food essay, “Grandfather’s Italian pepper seeds take root in America,” in the Association of Food Journalist’s annual journalism competition.

It’s a big deal. The national awards recognized excellence in 19 categories of food writing and editing, visuals and multimedia.

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Cathy’s story, which was published by AmericanFoodRoots.com, is a poignant tale about her family’s efforts to cultivate the seeds that came to America from Italy’s Abruzzo region in 1912.

Today, Cathy continues to propagate the precious pepper seeds in Delaware. Read her winning story and a recipe for Skillet-Fried Sweet Italian Peppers at www.americanfoodroots.com/features/farm-garden/grandfathers-italian-pepper-seeds-take-root-in-america/.

Cathy, who has been named a top blogger by the Delaware Press Association for three years in a row, also writes about seasonal food, recipes and her kitchen garden on her personal website, “Delaware Girl Eats,” at www.delawaregirleats.typepad.com/blog/. Get ready to be hungry.

Photos Courtesy of Cathy Branciaroli