Here is her complete interview with me:
Kelsey Bongiovanni: How has your Italian heritage had an impact on your life?
Joanna Galli: To many Italians, the most important things in life are family, friends, and food. And I am no different. My heritage has taught me to embrace what I have, be happy with it, and be proud of it. I always count my blessings, and I try my best to live my life with passion.
KB: How did visiting Italy influence your writing, cooking and overall way of life?
JG: I was fortunate enough to travel through many regions of Italy with my family. There, I really learned to take the time to enjoy good food, good wine, and good company. We ate fresh, healthy foods daily. And the passion, serenity, and enjoyment of the people were contagious. When I write and cook, I always make sure that it comes from my heart. That way, you can’t go wrong.
KB: I see that you’re in the process of writing a book! Can you tell me about that? What it's going to be about? When it will be done?
JG: Yes, I’ve been writing my first book manuscript! It’s about living, loving, and eating like a “Healthy Italian.” I believe in marrying Old World Italian with Modern Day Italian. It's tradition refreshed. The book is about living well, loving well, and eating well. And I teach how this can be done by adopting an Italian mentality and applying it to every aspect of your life. I don’t have a completion date just yet, but follow me on my website, www.joannagalli.com, for updates!
KB:
What is your favorite thing to cook and eat?
What is your favorite thing to cook and eat?
JG: My favorite thing to cook and eat is definitely pasta! Any kind of pasta! If you visit an Italian market, there are so many different shapes, textures, and flavors of pasta, and I love to utilize each one in a different way. I’m always sure to add vegetables and some sort of protein to my pasta for a healthy, balanced meal. Contrary to popular belief, pasta is really healthy for you. Italians eat much smaller portions and they always balance the pasta with other food groups.
KB: How would you define a "Healthy Italian"?
JG: A “Healthy Italian” is a person who applies an Italian mindset to living, loving, and eating. We live passionately. We love deeply. And we eat pleasurably.
KB: Are you originally from Mt. Kisco?
JG: Yes, I was born and raised in Mt. Kisco. I love it here because I have a lot of family around. Home is where the heart is.
KB: Has having your work published in a number of places helped drive traffic to your site?
JG: Absolutely! It’s so exciting to see different people and websites reference my websites, my videos, and my articles. I’ve gotten really positive feedback so far, and I can only hope it continues that way.
KB: Where do you hope to be career wise in the next five years?
JG: In five years, I’d love to be more of a household name. I would also love to have my book published, or very close to it. My goal is to get people passionate about life, love, cooking, and eating again. And I believe Italians evoke that emotion like no other!
