Cooking with Love
with Gianna Conte (Jan)
December 2021 Newsletter
It's been a very emotional time for me. My best friend of 60 years has passed away. I am paying homage to her in this newsletter since she has been in my life for most of my life.
Her father was like a father to me. He drove a big checker cab. When we went out on a Saturday night, he would drive us to the dance. He really wanted to check out the place and make sure we were safe. We asked him to let us off a few blocks away. No problem, he would tell us. After a while, we would see that big yellow checker cab around the corner; he couldn't hide. On one occasion, after getting in his cab he would comment on what perfume we were wearing. I told him "Here's My Heart". He responded, get that stuff off, you smell like a prostitute. I pick up a lot of prostitutes in the city, and they all smell like that. I was devastated, so I threw out the bottle when I got home.
RIP Vinnie...till we meet again.
Vinnie - at 16.....she loved big earrings!
Vinnie & Jerry New Years Eve 2007
More like a sister....my bff Vinnie
Vinnie's husband is the cook in her family and I shared my love of cooking with him. Every Christmas Eve I call him and asked what was on his menu.
He prepared all day for the final traditional fish dinner.
Vinnie reminds me of Elizabeth Taylor here.
Here is Jerry with the pulpo (octopus) ready to be cooked.
Vinnie at her daughter's wedding.
Aunt Jan's Crumb Cake
Every single time I visited Vinnie, her family requested my crumb cake. At parties, I would make two. Vinnie's children and grandchildren loved my crumb cake.
Aunt Jan's Crumb cake....a favorite
Comments
21.12.2021 00:04
Crystal
Beautiful as always. And what I strive to find in a true friend. She was lucky to find you at such a tender age, and we lucky to have you in ours literally since the beginning of our lives. Xoxo
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21.12.2021 01:55
Jan Conte
Thank you Crystal. Your mom and I had a very respectful friendship. Even though we had different lives, we gave each other space and knew that we would be there for one another.
09.12.2021 14:25
Janet Price
Eloquent remembrance, Jan. I believe she’s looking down on you now with love and pride.
09.12.2021 15:51
Jan Conte
Thank you Janet. Yes, I keep her in my heart and talk to her all the time. She was my anchor when I would get upset about something. How lucky to have had her in my life.
06.12.2021 13:56
Sonia Smith
Sweet tribute to your friend Vinnie. Memories of her will stay with you and truly a blessing to have had her in your life!
06.12.2021 16:50
Jan Conte
Oh Sonia, I cannot even imagine life without her. She was my anchor. When we spoke about the future, we would talk about growing old together.....ahh, but God has his own plans. Thank you.
05.12.2021 05:07
Jannean B
Lovely, Jan ! I don’t know how I won the jackpot - getting a link to your website /blog; but I truly enjoyed it & would love to continue!
05.12.2021 03:38
Sharon Guess
What a precious tribute to your friend! I would love to hear about your fun times with Vinnie! I can only imagine what you two got into😀Cherish the memories of your special friend with a smile! 😍
05.12.2021 03:05
Jill Clark Gardner
Jan, What a beautiful tribute to your life long friend. I am so sorry and know that you will miss her very much. From your words, I can tell that she was a very special part of your life.
04.12.2021 21:58
Fran Altemose
What a beautiful tribute to a very special friend. You were blessed to have her in your life but she was blessed to have you as well. Thank you for sharing! Keep the memories in your heart
04.12.2021 22:44
Jan Conte
Thank you for your kind words. Good friends are hard to find....and keep. Vinnie and I gave each other the space to have our own lives, but if I needed her, she was there.