Why The Two Rosas?

There were two very influential Rosas in my life.  The first was my mother Rosa, who could cook anything and in my view is the world champion of food preparation.  The other, was my second cousin, Rosa Tusa, who was a food writer and editor and was instrumental in some of my earliest encounters with food.   It is important, to me, to honor their dedication to keeping our family food memories alive.

My name is Mari Fernandez. I am a home cook, with decades of experience in the kitchen and I have a lot to say about food.

Anyone who knows my family, knows that food, and traditions around the food we prepare, are of paramount importance to us.  Our family history of food, and how we preserve that history has been planted into our collective consciousness to the degree we rarely have a conversation that doesn’t involve a food memory or discussion around how to prepare something.  From memories of grandma’s bed covered with freshly made ravioli, to my father and grandfather making wine, from canning peppers and eggplant to my mom’s ability to make a feast with minimal ingredients, we are keenly aware of the gifts we have been given. We are aware, as descendants of European immigrants and the skills they so graciously taught us, it is our responsibility to share, which is what led me here.

Art, particularly the art of the Renaissance is also very much ingrained in our souls. My first trip to Florence, at age 18, and the impact it had on me has stayed with me for 50 years. I have yet to visit Italy without spending a substantial amount of time roaming the streets of Florence. Its soul found its way to mine and I would remiss if I didn’t somehow tap into that soul with my box designs. My cantucci, and its packaging, is an homage to a place that feels very much like home to me.

I hope can taste the love I put into these treats with a nice bottle of Vin Santo or a good quality coffee. Take your time and savor every bite. Each small batch is made with my own hands and each box is designed to transform you to a place that is nothing less than magic.

Enjoy