It was not an easy task convincing my mother to let me publish these recipes that for her are the most precious legacy left by her mother, a farmer's wife from the Parma lowlands, to pass on that family tradition thanks to which I, today, am able to sit in front of this dog-eared book with its "aroma" of yesteryear. The recipes contained in it have been handed down unchanged over the last century, but they have unquestionably benefited from our improved standard of living that allows us to utilize ingredients which previously only the better-off could afford.

Today, not only do I have the opportunity of making these recipes famous and in so doing render homage to my grandparents, but no less importantly, I can give free reign to my love of the cooking and culinary tradition of Parma and the Parma region, a love that has grown and matured over the years and which I hope to pass on to you at its best through these recipes.