Polenta is a dish very typical of Northern Italy, where our grandmother’s family is originally from. Our grandmother, Maria Paulina, was from a small town in the Alps called Barbania. Her last name, Chiatello, is a street that can still be found today. I had the honor of being able to visit this town and see my grandmother’s last name on a street sign. It was very cool.
Generally, Polenta is eaten in the winter months because it is a heavier dish and usually prepared with rich sauces. The history of polenta dates back to the Roman period, and in that time it consisted of different types of grains. It was after corn meal was brought back from the Americas that the modern version of polenta started to become common in Europe. At this time in Europe, polenta was a “Poor Man’s Dish” because it was quite filling and cost very little money to make. This was the case in the Doffo-Chiatello household in Argentina during our father’s childhood.
Damian pours polenta at the 2011 Polenta Party.
Our grandfather had 6 siblings and among them were spouses and children, making it expensive to feed the family for a meal together. Polenta allowed the family to come together and share a meal and have everyone participate with minimal ingredients. The table was quite small in the house, and keeping with the ancient tradition of our ancestors, a slab of wood would be used to spread the polenta and have everyone sit together for a meal. There was no kids table…
Samantha and Brigitte liberally adding fresh grated parmesan in 2017
Growing up, this was a holiday tradition that we Doffo kids looked forward to every year. It was a fun event on Christmas day, and all the uncles and aunts and cousins would come to one house. The plywood would be cleaned and prepared. Our dad and his brother Jorge would make the polenta, while the other uncles would stand around and give pointers or have a glass of wine. The ladies were in the kitchen putting finishing touches on the sauce, while we kids all ran around and made up “shows” we would later perform to our captive audience.
The epitome of “family style” dining!
2008 marked the first polenta party for our wine club family and since then it has been a favorite event among our members, staff and the Doffo family. We love sharing this event every year with our wine club members and keeping the tradition alive. It has become the event where old and new members alike get to break bread and become family as well. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves that without the support of the wine club we would not have the blessings we have today. What a great way to kick of the holiday season!
Happy Holidays and may the New Year bring everyone success, love, and goodwill.
Salute!
Samantha Doffo
The Doffo family at last year’s party.
