Speculation is still out there on generational trauma, if we can truly feel the pain of our great grandmothers. If their struggles somehow pass themselves on through the generations, causing us heartbreak and annoyances even today in small invisible ways. Generational curses however…definitely exist. In Disney movies curses are used to thicken plots and are generally lifted in ninety whole minutes. In real life though, this is painfully not the case.

My grandpa used to tell me all kinds of stories. He was the type of dude that used to go on rants when no one asked him to—then again who ever really asks for a rant. This was especially helpful for long car rides. I absolutely hate driving long distances alone because it makes me sleepy but fortunately for me, my grandpa was a retired old guy with little to no commitments and a terrible sleep schedule. I could call him for car company whenever I felt like I needed it to stay awake. Usually we talked about politics (which was his favorite subject), but sometimes he would rant about memories. It is no secret that I have an interesting family story, (if this is a secret to you then you can spend some more time on my blog and you’ll get a glimpse). My grandpa always liked to point out how our current familial problems were the same familial problems of generations prior. To keep it frank, “the women in this family simply don’t get along” as he would say so bluntly. For generations there was an issue with the women in our family, a fight would ensue and then people simply wouldn’t talk to each other. Depressing yes I know, however there is a bright side.

As I was making food this Thanksgiving season, I got the idea to make “Grandmas Potatoes”. They were called “Grandmas Potatoes” because my great grandma (my grandpas mother) used to make these potatoes every year during the holidays. I don’t remember my grandma Gussie, she died shortly after I was born. I only have the stories of her from my mom and my grandpa to go off of. I had never attempted to make her potatoes before however, I watched my mom make them every year as a kid. Funnily enough, I never really liked the potatoes all that much. As a kid I would put a small spoonful on my plate at dinner, take one bite and be satisfied. As of last week though…I was craving them. I was blessed with the gift of being able to cook without a recipe (thank you mom), so I poured myself a glass of Lambrusco and got myself in the kitchen.

What is so special about these potatoes is that even though there are breaks in connection between generations, the potatoes made it through. I can’t even say that the recipe was passed along because it didn’t, there was no recipe. I made them the way I remembered seeing my mom make them. As I peeled the potatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced up the prosciutto, I couldn’t help but think about my great grandmother who first made these potatoes. Even though she was given the credit, I couldn’t help but think if she was copying her mom as well. If she was sipping Lambrusco in the kitchen, watching the pan as they baked, reflecting on fights and generational curses. Allowing a smile to paint on her face because if the potatoes could make it through, there was hope.❤️

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Recipe (ish)

ingredients:

1/2 a bag of red potatoes peeled

1 pack of prosciutto cut into small squares

1 stick of butter

1/2 a cup of heavy cream

1 cup of mozzarella cheese (shred it yourself, not preshredded)

1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese (again don’t be lazy)

salt and pepper to taste

parsley

instructions:

Preheat the over to 350. Peel the potatoes and cut them into squares to be boiled. Boil the potatoes until a fork can be easily inserted through them. While the potatoes are boiling, cut the ham and shred the cheeses. Drain the water and put potatoes into a mixing bowl. Add butter, cream, cheese and spices into the mixing bowl. After the potatoes are smooth and creamy stir in the ham. Place the potatoes in an oven safe dish and bake for about 30 minutes at 350. Enjoy with a glass of Lambrusco.