Pizzette & Why Secret Recipes are Bullsh*t - Chef Alina (2024)

Secret Recipes are Bullsh*t

As a chef, foodie and lover of culture, history and tradition, I am passionate in my belief that secret recipes are BS. There isn’t anything I can think of that anyone could tell me to change my mind on the topic.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience” –James Beard

I especially wonder why people keep family recipes a secret — food is meant to be shared and passed on from generation to generation. Your family’s recipes — and the traditions that go with them — tell a story, your story, your heritage, your culture. Why would you not want to share that with the world? Food is, in my opinion, the most relatable way to introduce people to other cultures and to ourselves. The more we experience other cultures and their traditions, the more we become accepting of others. If you really want to know someone, or want someone to know you, share a meal with them; one that means something to you or to them.

If a recipe is so good that you want to keep it a secret, then it must be good enough that you should be proud of it and want to share it, so others can experience all of the deliciousness. Food is meant to be shared; it is one of life’s great pleasures. I find it extremely sad when I hear people talk about old family recipes that are not made anymore, because they weren’t passed down. Such a deep connection to family roots is lost forever.

If you are a professional chef and you are afraid to share your recipes because you think someone else is going to get rich off of your ideas, in all likelihood, they’re not!If being a successful chef was as easy as having a recipe, we would all be Thomas Keller and, clearly, we are not. For that matter, if having a good recipe was all you needed to create a successful food product or restaurant, there would be a lot more people doing it.

Check Your Ego

This might hurt some of you to hear, but the main reason most people keep their recipes secret is ego — you don’t want someone else taking credit for your recipe. I get that, believe me. As a recipe developer and blogger, I really get that. However, I feel more strongly in the importance of sharing great food with the world and passing on traditions than I do in getting credit every time someone makes one of my recipes. That being said, don’t be a jerk. Whether it’s your Aunt Sheila’s recipe, my recipe or a recipe from a book, give credit where it’s due. And, if you change or modify a recipe, by all means take the credit you deserve, and then pass the recipe on!

This recipe for Pizzette cookies was given to me by my friend (and best insurance agent around) Sue Manero. It was passed down to her from her mother Nanie Lena Carrelli Manero, passed down from her mother Josephine (Giuseppina Spina Carrelli). Both Sue and her mother Lena gave me permission to share it with all of you. I have used this recipe for many years for Christmas time at my bakery and restaurant, Sweet, and at home. Over the years, I have made some slight modifications (like making it gluten free), and they are listed in the recipe so you can choose to make Lena’s original version or use the modifications. I hope this recipe brings you and your family as much pleasure as it has brought the Manero family, my family and my friends.

Christmas Cookies Cookies Italian cookies pizzette