Recipes for Body and Soul

About the Book

Meem’s life has been full of faith, food and family. This book is a witness to each of these. We three put this book together to honor Meem, to thank her, and to share her amazing gifts in all three categories with us all. You will find her spiritual writings, her recipes, and occasional lists of things she had to do as she was preparing her spiritual lessons. We left in the occasional lists as a witness to multi-tasking, always one of her great skills. Most all of us still have so much to learn from her.

About the Author

Vera Rossano Gaudiani celebrates her 90th birthday with four of her six children, thirteen grandchildren ten great grandchildren, and scores of family and friends at her bi-coastal parties. She would say that Vincent, her husband of 63 years, Elissa, Bill, and baby grandson, August, are also present in these festivities from their celestial coast. Recipes for Body and Soul tells the story of this unique post WW II bride who educated herself at home in nutrition, spirituality, and theology while raising a large family. She also created a unique blend of food and faith that enriched her family through several generations with the strengths of each. She was married in World War II and with a baby in arms, she received a Missing in Action letter from the Air Force in 1945. She eventually welcomed her young officer husband home after his release from Japanese POW camp. Five more children and multiple moves later, she began volunteer ministry to the sick and to preparing children in her parish for the sacraments. Vera credits her parents and family for the traditions of faith, food and family that she inherited and now passes on in her life and in this book. It is, as she has reminded us so often, a set of values and beliefs, that has nourished our family for thousands of years… Now, secular, materialistic, “carry out” life tries to push these traditions aside… Undaunted, she fights the good fight knowing the best of modern life will incorporate these traditions and that they will endure. Recipes is meant to help. Her creative joy in the kitchen is contagious and she has taught an army of her own children and their children to cook! Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of her Italian heritage, she recognized the unique nutritional value of the Mediterranean diet long before it became chic. Along with her culinary achievements Vera focused on the essential ingredients that nourish the soul. The spiritual writings of Recipes for Body and Soul were unearthed during her move from Indianapolis to Greenbrae, California. These writings constitute another set of very personal recipes full of ingredients designed to produce spiritual health. Today Vera, “Meem” to her grandchildren, still manages her own home, spends hours in vigorous prayer, in cooking, baking, and pursuing her regular gym routine three times a week. She car pools to the gym with other nonagenarians and pays her way in health muffins or fresh biscotti. Her family and friends by the dozens recognize in Vera a happy, optimistic woman of great character. Her faith enables her reality to open space for transcendence and anticipate her God who embraces all.