Guitar Pasta

Guitar Pasta
By Geraldine Pinto Scardino
Illustrated and edited by Joseph J. Scardino

Step into the warmth of a South Philadelphia kitchen, where Sunday wasn't just another day-it was a sacred ritual of flour-dusted aprons, simmering gravy, and the music of tradition played on a wooden pasta maker called la chitarra.

In Guitar Pasta, 93-year-old author Geraldine Pinto Scardino invites readers to journey through her life and legacy, beginning with childhood memories of making fresh pasta alongside her mother and grandmother. As the smells of garlic and sausage filled the home, and cousins gathered around the table, a deeper story was being written-one about family, resilience, and the quiet strength of women who passed down more than just recipes.

Told through the eyes of young Geraldine and enriched with vivid, nostalgic illustrations, this heartwarming tale captures the essence of three generations united by love, memory, and food. From the handmade chitarra crafted by her grandfather, to the hand-cranked pasta rollers of postwar America, to the electric machines of today-each tool becomes a symbol of time, progress, and enduring connection.

But Guitar Pasta is more than just a family story. It's a reflection on how traditions evolve yet remain rooted in the same ingredients: love, patience, and a shared meal. Alongside the narrative are bonus sections including cherished family recipes for manicotti, pasta and peas, and crabs and spaghetti-simple, comforting dishes that taste like home.

Perfect for readers who cherish family heritage, Italian American culture, or intergenerational storytelling, Guitar Pasta is a heartfelt tribute to the ties that bind us-and the meals that make us feel whole.

Whether you're a grandchild remembering the smell of your nonna's kitchen, a parent passing down your own traditions, or a reader simply hungry for a beautifully told story, Guitar Pasta will fill your heart and stir your appetite.