Born in Australia in 1949, Pietro Demaio is a Melbourne GP whose parents were from
Varapodio in Calabria. They arrived with an empty suitcase but a heart full of traditions, stories, recipes and skills that allowed them to survive, firstly in the heart of Calabria and then a new Australia of the 30s and 40s.
Over the years, Pietro grew up with a taste for a range of preserves that were not available in the 50s and 60s. As a young father, he had a passion to pass his "dreaming" on to his three sons, Giuseppe, Carlo and Alessandro, with the help of his wife, Lynn. Even though he was born in Australia he feels a strong familiarity and links with Italy that have driven him to collect this series of traditional recipes from friends and family.
His book is a collection of preserving recipes that is also an engaging mix of memories and anecdotes of childhood and travel. It oozes with a love and oneness with the rich and varied tapestry that Italy is today.
As you follow the recipes, recall and remember the brave pioneers that travelled to Australia to give us a wonderful life through a heritage that stretches back to the Greeks, Romans, Saracens, Normans, Austrians and the French. With each new wave came new skills in preserving food.
