Ciao From My Kitchen!

A little introduction

I’ve been meaning to bite the bullet for a while, and here I am, ticking off one of my New Year’s resolutions (two months into the year): I’m finally starting a Substack! Welcome to my creative kitchen, where I will explore the rich fusion of flavors, art, and memories that have shaped me.

So, Who Is Bianca Bosso?

I’m an Australian-Italian artist and recipe developer. My journey began in the rugged outback of Mt Isa, Queensland, but at the age of six, my giant Italian family uprooted us to Brisbane, where I spent most of my formative years - aside from brief cultural exchanges in Canada and England, and extended three-month stints in Italy every other year.

All these experiences set the stage for the next chapter of my life. Today, I live in New York with my husband, surrounded daily by a vibrant melting pot of cultures, with Italian influence deeply woven throughout the city. From the panini man on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, handing out slices of mortadella and red wine as you wait, to the unmistakable charm of Italian-American fusion dining at spots like Carbone, where Frank Sinatra's crooning fills the air, the city is a constant source of inspiration, fueling my creativity and hunger.

As a child, most of my family outings were spent in restaurants, where my passion for both food and art first ignited. When I wasn’t busy doodling on tablecloths or any scrap of paper I could find, I was eagerly trying new flavors and savoring every bite of my favorite dishes. Food always excited me, with every meal sparking wonder and joy.

I still remember the day I threw a full-blown tantrum when my Pa was served a giant “stinco”, an Italian slow-braised pork shank, that I demanded he swap with me. Being an Italian man of the food, he wasn’t ready to give up his meal (and rightly so), but he did order another just for me. I’ll never forget the smokey taste of that stinco, and that moment remains a cherished memory from the early days of my love affair with food.

My first ‘stinco’

My Pa fueled my obsession with food, ensuring I was always surrounded by new flavors during our long restaurant visits, while my mum lovingly nurtured my artistic endeavors. She encouraged me to explore my creative side and, at the same time, meticulously recorded our family’s treasured recipes from my Nonna in her big, well-worn recipe book - a gift I cherish deeply.

My Pa, born in Italy and having migrated to Australia on a boat, filled our home with his passion for food and cooking. Every Sunday lunch at the Bosso household was an occasion. There was always room at the table, whether it was for a sibling’s friend who’d crashed overnight or a family friend of a friend of a friend. No guest was ever turned away, and every newcomer was greeted with a giant plate of pasta. In our family, the ultimate test for any of my sisters' boyfriends trying to win my dad’s approval was simple: a firm handshake, finishing the meal at a pace that matched our own, and the ability to power through a second plate of pasta (often after a bit of good-natured, albeit intimidating, bullying from my dad). Those unforgettable Sunday lunches weren’t just meals - they were moments of togetherness that left a lasting impression on me.

Last year, inspired by those cherished family gatherings and driven by my two greatest loves, food and art, I embarked on a project to document my family’s Italian recipes. It garnered significant attention online, with constant requests for me to publish the cookbook one day soon. While I'm still in the process of transforming these recipes into an illustrated cookbook, I wanted to create an outlet in the meantime. And that brings me to this Substack.

@biancabossoIt’s okay, I’m going to make copies of my illustrated recipes cookbook to keep the peace 🙏 📖 What recipes are missing from my keepsake cookbook? #cookbook #scrapbook #craft #crafting #craftideas #craftygirl #craftingideas #recipes #italianrecipe #howtocook

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Through this Substack, I invite you to join me on a journey where every dish tells a story, every recipe is a work of art, and every meal is a celebration of life. I believe that food brings people together and that the best conversations are had at the table, and I want to help foster that experience for all.

Here, I'll be sharing recipes, art, stories, and hosting tips that I hope will inspire and spark joy. So grab your apron, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s cook, create, and connect over the memories and magic of the table.

Buon appetito,
Bianca