On Black & Highly Flavored, co-hosts Derek Kirk and Tamara Celeste shine a light on the need-to-know movers and shakers of our food & beverage industry.
Listen NowPopular on Food52
57 Comments
Victoria S.
January 12, 2020
Valerio, I'm a retired writer. You are an awesome writer! Such a wonderful way with words.
Miranda B.
January 5, 2020
I watched Clara's videos and she was adorable. Her memories and humor were a delight. Best wishes to her family.
Jeannie A.
November 24, 2019
I just found this site tonight. Was searching for Keto budget friendly meals. I so happy this popped up. It's budget friendly but not necessarily "keto". I don't care because I'm just so loving watching this amazing lady. Great storyteller. I can see why she was so beloved by so many. Absolutely beautiful I could watch all day. Lol, in fact I haven't stopped watching since I found this channel.
Martha
April 2, 2019
I recently found her YouTube channel and fell in love! She was so sweet and genuine. I could listen to her all day and never get tired .
nancy
January 7, 2019
A story that tells of dark times and the people who swirled in the whirlpool of the Great depression, and survived. You have done a great favor for the community, by reaching out to Chris and have him tell us about a strong woman who was there to witness the passing of time and the changes of the world. This is certainly a valuable insight for the young generations, and a way to relive the memories of old for those who seek them.
Martine
August 17, 2018
I absolutely loved this piece. Thank you for cherishing the memories and recipes. I'm not Sicilian/Italian and I never got to know my grandmothers but through these videos I feel the warm connection. Thank you.
Michelle
August 15, 2018
Thank you for honoring this dignified, humble, beautiful woman with your article about her. I found her by chance, watched many of the cooking videos, and was fondly reminded of my own time with my grandmother in her kitchen, teaching me to cook rice and spaghetti and fricassee, describing her dresses made of flour sacks and the mud pies she made so joyfully. It was a gift.
Diane T.
July 13, 2018
My family thought my grandmothers recipes were list till a few were found stuck in a drawer. I spent months piecing the few notes she actually wrote into a recipe. I tested then created a cookbook for my family. These videos like my book are touchstones to the past. Your grandmother was so wonderful! She took me back to my days with mine.
franny
July 11, 2018
This is my first time watching Ms. Clara. Brought tears to my eyes. My mother is 97, daughter of Italian immigrants. I just left her after helping with dinner (Italian sausage, greens with pasta and salad. We still eat and love pasta e fagioli! Can't wait to see more of Clara. Thank you!
Stella
July 10, 2018
Awww my two sons (now 16 & 12) and I watched Ms. Clara religiously & still talk about her to this day.
Chris you did such a wonderful job... We loved her & never even met her.
We were just torn to pieces when she passed.
I can only imagine how hard it must've been to film that last episode ... & uh! 😭 Her empty chair 😭 just broke me. 😢 We all cried that day... She was a beautiful lady inside and out with all her wisdom and wit.
Thank you Valerio Farris for writing this amazing story and thank you Chris for sharing your grandmother with the world!
We love ya like we know you and wish you all the best.
In gratitude,
Stella, Alex & Aidan 💓
Chris you did such a wonderful job... We loved her & never even met her.
We were just torn to pieces when she passed.
I can only imagine how hard it must've been to film that last episode ... & uh! 😭 Her empty chair 😭 just broke me. 😢 We all cried that day... She was a beautiful lady inside and out with all her wisdom and wit.
Thank you Valerio Farris for writing this amazing story and thank you Chris for sharing your grandmother with the world!
We love ya like we know you and wish you all the best.
In gratitude,
Stella, Alex & Aidan 💓
LuAnne W.
July 9, 2018
I love this beautiful story. I wish I had this from my great-grandmother. Thank you so much. What a gift.
susan
July 9, 2018
Omigod what a sweet grandmother. I love that you have these youtube clips to remember her by. I would love to have a grandmother like her and just sit in the kitchen and hang out with her while she cooked. You're very lucky. She has a great sense of humor by the way. : )
MOMMAK75
July 9, 2018
What a beautiful story. I wish I could have done the same with my Uruguayan abuela. Always making deliciousness out of the simplest ingredients.
Mish V.
July 9, 2018
My maternal grandparents came to Australia with young children after WWII and they could only bring one chest with them, so her recipe book was handwritten in her own shorthand so she could fit as many recipes as possible in it. Such a shame that I didn't learn her personal shorthand before she passed and so her book remains but it's contents have been lost in translation. Very happy to see that Chris has kept his grandmother and her food alive :)
MOMMAK75
July 9, 2018
I bet if you really took a stab at it, you'd find common threads in all the recipes and be able to "translate" it!!
Cgraeff
July 8, 2018
Thank you for the article. What a great story!
Recently while cullng through recipes, I looked for the umpteenth time at family recipes I use. But, for the first time, I realized the importance to my that these recipes were written down by my long gone grandmothers, father and mother in their own handwriting. This makes them extra special and I urge you all to preserve these family heirlooms. The documentation, whether written or recorded, is precious.
Recently while cullng through recipes, I looked for the umpteenth time at family recipes I use. But, for the first time, I realized the importance to my that these recipes were written down by my long gone grandmothers, father and mother in their own handwriting. This makes them extra special and I urge you all to preserve these family heirlooms. The documentation, whether written or recorded, is precious.
Kayevee
July 8, 2018
What a a good story! I was so happy to be introduced to Clara's YouTube channel and her fried mushroom dish was an inspiration for my dinner tonight.
So glad her grandson filmed this amazing lady.
So glad her grandson filmed this amazing lady.
Annetta F.
July 8, 2018
I agree it is frustrating to have to keep scrolling down to read and then the darned thing scrolls up again. Can't this be fixed?
FatAng
July 8, 2018
The saddest day of my life was the day my Dad died. The second saddest day? When I realized he took all his incredible recipes to his grave. He never wrote them down.
Mike R.
July 8, 2018
What a fabulous story ... and video oral histories.
Last year a friend and an Italian neighbor both gave me Cuccidati recipes which are very similar to Clara's. It's wonderful to see the techniques in action.
Did she, perhaps, have a recipe for Brutti ma Buoni, a hazelnut meringue cookie that translates to "Ugly but Good". A friend gave me a Sicilian version of this cookie that is very different from -- and I think, better than -- the classic original developed in northern Italy (Gavirate, north of Milan).
Last year a friend and an Italian neighbor both gave me Cuccidati recipes which are very similar to Clara's. It's wonderful to see the techniques in action.
Did she, perhaps, have a recipe for Brutti ma Buoni, a hazelnut meringue cookie that translates to "Ugly but Good". A friend gave me a Sicilian version of this cookie that is very different from -- and I think, better than -- the classic original developed in northern Italy (Gavirate, north of Milan).
Mike R.
July 8, 2018
I'd love to know more about the history of the Sicilian version of Brutti ma Buoni.
Maria
July 8, 2018
These videos are a treasure! My Italian mom is pushing 80 with the beginning of dementia and she loves to talk about when she was younger. I immediately sent this link to her because she will certainly appreciate Clara’s commentary. Thank you for sharing this lovely lady!
Gigi
July 8, 2018
Thank you for this article. I didn't know about Clara's YouTube channel before but will definitely watch it now. My MIL taught me how to cook but I never had recipes from her. Now I can watch Clara and learn most of the dishes my depression era Sicilian Mother-In-Law made. Thank you again.
Merry L.
July 8, 2018
She is so inspirational. Imagine, being 94 and still being independent and doing all the things she does. Thank you for making the videos to share this lovely lady with us. Clara was a treasure. I am going to make pasta with peas!
Kathy
July 8, 2018
Loved eating at my Grands every Saturday and Sunday. Great cooks. Then napping in the back window of the Ford and listening to Harry Carey when he was in St. Louis. Ahhh
Sharr L.
July 8, 2018
How lucky you were to have your wonderful Gran for so long...if only we'd had the internet before my Gran passed...ah the memories that could have been saved...
RobynB
July 1, 2018
Clara's videos were one of the ways I discovered youtube many years ago. I adored her, watched all her videos, and cried when she passed. So lovely to see her reaching even more people now. What I would give to have even one video of my own grandmother....
Jaye B.
June 29, 2018
Thank you for this article! I didn't know about Clara's YT channel but I'm going to watch it now.
MsMora
June 28, 2018
What a wonderful tribute these videos and recipes are of Clara. My mother survived the depression as well. Like Clara's, our family meals were simple but nourishing, and mom knew how to stretch a dollar. Watching Clara cut up the potatoes and onions in her hand is exactly what my mom did. It's a generational thing. Bravo, Chris, for keeping Clara's memory alive.
T
June 27, 2018
I came across her channel & I loved it very much. It reminded me of my grand parents and how savvy they were about saving food & making something deliciously simple out of very few ingredients! Especially "poor mans meal" I clearly remember my grandma making growing up! Thank you for sharing Clara, I hope you're rejoicing up high and happy you've left behind many great stories and recipes to look back on for many years to come!
sarasmiles
June 27, 2018
How synchronistic! 2 weeks ago, somehow I stumbled across Clara’s charming videos and was inspired to make her “Poorman’s Meal” for my family, which was enjoyed by all. I noticed the videos were somewhat dated and was wishing to know more about Clara. Then this story popped up on my phone’s newsfeed!
Jenni
June 27, 2018
I watched her [show], years ago. I loved hearing her stories while watching her prepare her meals. Those simple creations were most definitely made with love.
M
June 26, 2018
Very happy to see Clara get some love here. She was adored all those (egad) years ago, and her messages are timeless. She was, and is, a treasure.
THIS is what 'grandmother cooking' is. It isn't one thing. To some, it's survival during dire times. To some, it's a necessity based on limitation. To some, it's full of love, but kind of clueless. To some, it's a grin-and-bear-it tedium. To some, it's necessary, but nearly inedible. To some, it's grandfather cooking because grandmother couldn't. And to some, it's growing food, living off the land, and epic feasts.
THIS is what 'grandmother cooking' is. It isn't one thing. To some, it's survival during dire times. To some, it's a necessity based on limitation. To some, it's full of love, but kind of clueless. To some, it's a grin-and-bear-it tedium. To some, it's necessary, but nearly inedible. To some, it's grandfather cooking because grandmother couldn't. And to some, it's growing food, living off the land, and epic feasts.
juwu_eats
June 26, 2018
The new add banner is a pain, I had to scroll down 10x to be able to finally finishing reading the article, then running against time to type faster in order to write this comment.
I love the piece. My grandma is still alive but she hasn't cooked anything since our grandad passed away. This is a good idea I'll try if she gets in the moods..
I love the piece. My grandma is still alive but she hasn't cooked anything since our grandad passed away. This is a good idea I'll try if she gets in the moods..
Sally
June 25, 2018
My mom was born in northwest Indiana the same year as Clara. Many of her stories about growing up were similar to Clara's. In her book, Clara talks about going to the Aragon and Trianon ballrooms in Chicago as a young woman and my mom told me about going to those with my dad. Though our background is German, some of the food was very similar. Some variation of Poorman's Meal was common and I still make something similar frequently. Though I don't use her recipe, Clara is responsible for me baking my own bread. Getting a meal on the table now is so commercialized and almost competitive. Clara reminds me how simple it can, and maybe should, be.
Linda
June 25, 2018
I discovered Clara on Youtube when I was trying to learn how to make Cuccidatti - Italian Fig Cookies. I fell in love with her. I make theses cookies once a year and always think of her, Sweet and spunky,
Linda
June 25, 2018
The recipe I use for the filling is simpler (fewer ingredients) than Claras, but full of rich and complex flavors. I got it from Epicurious
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/italian-fig-cookies-107444. Let the flavors blend and bloom in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, or at least overnight. Also use nuts that are already shelled. I use Clara's method to wrap the filling in the dough. Get raves every time I make them.
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/italian-fig-cookies-107444. Let the flavors blend and bloom in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, or at least overnight. Also use nuts that are already shelled. I use Clara's method to wrap the filling in the dough. Get raves every time I make them.
Eric K.
June 22, 2018
I love her couscous video; it's a really interesting dive into a food that seems presentist to us but is actually from another time and place.
April W.
June 22, 2018
I’m 62. My mom cooked depression food. It’s what she grew up eating. My brothers and I loved my mom’s cooking. Most of what she cooked didn’t come from a cookbook. The recipes came from my grandma who told my mom, who told me, and I told my daughters. Wonderful memories for all of us. Thank you for the article. I’ll watch the YouTube shows.
Margaret W.
June 22, 2018
This reminded me of my own Mom, Clara who was born in 1914 and married in 1936. She often spoke of the Great Depression. The linoleum lined shelving in her bottom cabinet says a lot. Mom did the same. My parents were recycling before it had that name. I am 66, retired since 59. I thank my parents for instilling being happy with little. Simplicity is my motto. I put together a small cookbook of my Mom's recipes and one of her stories. I wanted her to talk into a tape recorder but she was too nervous. She wrote all of it on paper. I applaud Clara for being filmed. Plan to watch them all on youtube. Oh, my mom, Clara would have laughed at this since she never thought it was anything special to cook like this.
BerryBaby
June 23, 2018
Yes! Our mom recycled everything. She was very excited when they started packing meat on the styrofoam trays. She washed and saved them as picnic trays. All scrap vegetables went into a compost pile in the farthest corner of the yard, newspapers were delivered with rubber bands wrapped around them and those were saved. Jelly came in juice sized glasses and we had a collection! She repurposed, nothing went to waste.
Valerio F.
June 25, 2018
So cool to hear about your DIY cookbook of family recipes. I have one of those too and it's so so important!
Judith L.
June 22, 2018
I was born in 1951 and most of the adults I knew, growing up, had lived through the Great Depression. I grew up eating a lot of the meals that Clara shared on YouTube, even into the early 1960s..This is a lovely tribute piece, and I thank you.
Momo
June 22, 2018
I remember watching one show, that led to two and three and more.She had a way to her, she was a special lady. My Grandma while cooking, it was great to be invited into her kitchen.I cried when she passed, I can't wait to see her in heaven.
BerryBaby
June 22, 2018
Grandparents and parents lived during the great depression. One thing I recall was those who experienced the depression remained frugal. They lived simple lives, and appreciated everything with love and thankfulness.
boulangere
June 22, 2018
What an utterly lovely piece! I confess that I've never been a YouTube watcher. I think I need to rethink that.
FS
June 22, 2018
Great article! I'm very interested in recipes from the Depression era, and was already familiar with Clara's videos.
Join The Conversation