An ancient Italian saying is, “A tavola non si invecchia.” (“At the table, one never grows old.”) There is such wisdom in that. Around a table, age fades away. We share food, stories, laughter, and memories. A grandmother teaches a granddaughter to roll pasta. A newcomer becomes a friend. A recipe becomes a legacy.
The following stories from the family of chef-instructors at Murer House in Folsom are not just about cooking classes. Our community is both proud and lucky to have a Foundation preserving family traditions as well as Italian heritage, while friendships and traditions pass on from one generation to the next. They will be featured in the August issue of EDH Neighbors magazine. Each instructor has a distinct voice:
Anna Maria speaks about preserving family traditions and finding community.
“Teaching cooking classes at the Historic Murer House has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was born in Picerno, a small town in southern Italy, and immigrated to Canada with my family as a young child. Surrounded by a vibrant Italian community, I learned the importance of preserving our traditions, language, and love of food.
Many of the recipes I teach today come from my mother, grandmothers, and cherished family gatherings around the kitchen table. In Italy, food is never just food—it is hospitality, connection, family, and love.”
Irene emphasizes culture, connection, and the joy of sharing authentic Italian cooking.
“Born in Northern Italy and raised in Southern Italy, I grew up in a family where food was at the center of daily life. Meals were prepared from scratch, fresh ingredients were a priority, and family gatherings often revolved around the table. Those lessons continue to guide my cooking today.
Many of my recipes come directly from my family’s kitchen in Italy. More than any recipe, however, I hope students leave my classes with confidence, an appreciation for Italian culture, and the understanding that cooking is one of the best ways to bring people together, create memories, and preserve traditions for future generations.”
Carmela brings the warmth of family, simplicity, and cooking with love.
“Born and raised in Bari, with family ancestors in Puglia, I especially love teaching traditional ‘cucina povera’ recipes from my region. My favorite dishes include cavatelli with arugula and rice, potatoes, and mussels casserole—simple foods that celebrate fresh ingredients and regional traditions.
My advice is simple: cooking is not a duty, it is a pleasure, about nourishment, celebrating your traditions. Enjoy the process, choose quality ingredients, and cook with love. The preparation, aromas, flavors, and memories created and shared around the table are what make Italian cooking truly special.
More than any recipe, however, I hope students leave my classes with confidence, an appreciation for Italian culture, and the understanding that cooking is one of the best ways to bring people together, create memories, and preserve traditions for future generations.”
As of this writing, no less than 35 cooking classes are posted on the website, from “Date Night Arancini” to main course, fresh pasta cannelloni to “Classic Tiramisu”; times vary. Adult children or groups can be accommodated by inquiry at 916-413-9231 or by email atinfo@murerhousefoundation.com.
The non-profit Foundation runs with a huge family of volunteers planning much more than just cooking classes. Check out the website: murerhousefoundation.org/.
Maybe it’s your turn to enlist a friend or family member and sign up for a class, grab an apron, and learn how to make meals from someone whose grandmother asked, “Are you putting love in it?”
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