My Grandmother's Ravioli - Episode Guide

Grandmother and math teacher Ruth Teig teaches Mo Rocca how to make classic Jewish cuisine. On the menu is kreplach (or Jewish ravioli) and Ruth's fluffy, modernized version of gefilte fish. Ruth surprises Mo with a large live Carp in her bathtub to teach him how generations of Jews in Europe would keep their fish fresh before the invention of refrigeration. Mo also gets to taste Ruth's magical coffee cake that she uses as currency to feed household workmen and allows her to skip to the front of long lines at the DMV.

Ninety-one-year-old Gaetano is determined to make a rugged outdoorsman out of Mo Rocca. Gaetano has recently hunted and eaten moose, bear, elk, varmint, but today he cooks up a stick-to-your-ribs venison stew like the ones he often prepares in the wild. No need to peel veggies when cooking in the great outdoors, this is "manly food." During the episode Gaetano teaches Mo how to shoot a rifle at a range and also teaches him various unusual Moose calls. The episode ends with a large, outdoor party in Gaetano's backyard.

Mo Rocca visits grandmother Genevra Higginson at her elegant three hundred-year-old home in Cohasset, Mass. Cohasset is a coastal village so Mo first digs up clams on a nearby beach and then he and Genevra cook up a hearty, super-fresh batch of clam chowder that they enjoy as a midday snack. The next day, Mo hits the high seas to learn how to pull lobster traps up from the briny deep from seasoned lobstermen. Later, he and Genevra put together a lobster feast using seaweed in its preparation and they make fresh peach ice cream for the Higginson family.

Grandmother and Irish lass Peggy Guiliano of Caldwell, N.J., devotes much of her life to her grandchildren and also to giving back to those in need. Peggy introduces Mo Rocca to the soup kitchen at New Jersey's oldest church -- St. John's in Newark. Mo and Peggy cook up some mean meatloaf and join other church volunteers to feed nearly three hundred hungry people from the neighborhood. Peggy also shows Mo how to make her famous scones, which they also distribute at the church.

Mo Rocca learns classic Russian cuisine from former Muscovite and current Brighton Beach, Brooklyn resident Eva Levitis. Eva shows Mo how to make a Russian salad called "Oiiver" and Chicken Kiev.

Manee Soohoo was born in Thailand and now spends most of her time helping take care of her adorable grandchildren in Harlem, New York. She enlists Mo's help to babysit the kids and also teaches him how to make green curries, and whips up a batch of Pad See Ew for the kids. Despite the fact that Mo has never made Thai food, Manee's grandson gives the dish "five thumbs up."

The volunteers at the Delmar, N.Y., firehouse affectionately call their colleague Chris Massie "Gramps," despite being a young grandfather firefighter there, but he's also the best cook. He'll put Mo through all the usual firefighting training exercises and then he and Mo will make a stick-to-your-ribs, mouth-watering Christmas dinner for his squad.

Mo Rocca gets a glimpse of the inner workings of a long, successful relationship -- Tom and Mary Napolitano of Nassau County, Long Island have been married for over sixty years. For Tom and Mary cooking and eating together is a big part of building a strong bond. Mo meets the inspirational couple and cooks some classic Italian food -- the main course is manicotti made from scratch and two appetizers, including zucchini flower fritters and figs wrapped in prosciutto. Mary does most of the cooking and Tom does most of the shopping, it's a match made in culinary heaven.

Mo Rocca meets retired teacher and Fishkill, N.Y., resident Mary Gray and her three dearest friends -- Lillian, Frances and Estelle. The four widows lean on each other for everything and they love to laugh, so family and friends dub them "The Golden Girls." Mary was born in America, but she is of Polish decent, so she teaches Mo how to make multiple varieties of scrumptious pierogi -- some are savory and filled with sauerkraut or meat and some are sweet and filled with blueberries. The episode may or may not end with a polka.

Jamaican born and Bronx, N.Y., resident Venetta Lurine Williams is going to show Mo Rocca how to make some quintessential Jamaican dishes. Jerk chicken could be on the menu or curried ox tail, and there will be mountains of food of it to feed Venetta's very large family. Venetta, a nanny for years, tells Mo about the charity she has created to help give to needy children in her homeland.

Mo Rocca learns how to cook Ecuadorian cuisine from Maria Lopez, a grandmother from Queens, N.Y. On the menu for dinner are classic national dishes such as a delicious fish appetizer Cerviche, and a hearty goat stew Seco de Chivo. To shop for the meal Mo visits Maria's favorite local butcher, who happens to practice Halal butchery and learns about the techniques and traditions for preparing the various meats.

Mo meets Hildegarde "Cookie Oma" Mahncke who lives in River Vale, New Jersey. Wearing leopard print outfits and being outspoken is Cookie's style...she's no shrinking violet. She teaches Mo some classic recipes she was taught by her parents on a farm in the Black Forest region of Germany. The main course is rouladen (rolled up beef slices with pickle and other ingredients) and cabbage and for dessert -- plum cake. In addition to cooking, Mo talks to Cookie's husband Herman about his favorite hobbies -- carpentry and Elvis impersonation.

Meena Deshpande and Mona Vasudev were both born in Mumbai, India, but didn't meet until they moved to the United States over thirty years ago. They have become best friends over time and live close to one another in Princeton, New Jersey, where they love to cook together. Now Meena and Mona's children and grandchildren are all friends with one another. On this episode, Meena and Mona teach Mo Rocca some Maharashtrian-style dishes which are light yet bold -- Lamb Kheema, Cauliflower Green Pea Coconut Curry on Cumin Rice and traditional Diwali rice snack Chiwda.

Philadelphia native and spitfire Clara Corrado, 94, has triplet great-grandsons in the Air Force. The triplets are each stationed far from home, so Clara enlists Mo to help her make some of her best dishes to ship off to the three young military men. Italian Wedding Soup, and lemon-flavored pizzelles --and love -- make up these delicious care packages.

Millie Martin, 70, who lives in Rock Hill, S.C., teaches Mo Rocca how to make down home Southern cooking. Hot cabbage, sweet potato pie and mac and cheese are served for lunch. And Millie's friend Pete breaks out the coals and hickory chips to grill up some ribs. In between cooking and eating, Mo and Millie sing in her church choir.

Vincent, 57, who hails from Palm City, Fla., teaches Mo Rocca his father Pop's secret technique for making homemade mozzarella cheese along with some other delicious Italian specialties. Also, Vincent's cousin Sal stops by to make a shrimp bruschetta pizza and later Vincent and Mo pump some very serious iron.

Doris, 88, is from Peabody, Mass., but her food is unmistakably Portuguese. Doris doesn't censor herself and has Mo in stitches as she teaches him roast pork, Portuguese donuts and a few nifty dance steps.

Miyoko, 80, grew up by the sea in the Land of the Rising Sun. She teaches Mo Rocca traditional Japanese curing and grilling techniques -- the main course is mackerel shioyaki. She also demonstrates how to make miso soup and cucumber salad. Miyoko has survived a lot in her life ... one of her secrets, "party hard!"

Lita is short for the Spanish word "abuelita" which means "little grandmother" -- but there is nothing little about her personality. Lita, 82, who lives in Hoschton, Ga., is a cheerleader for her homeland Costa Rica and its hearty cuisine. Lita shows Mo Rocca how to make some Central American staples including rice and beans and plantains maduros. She also introduces him to the furry loyal friend Canela.

Mo Rocca meets the energetic and always amiable Sonny Young, 71, of Rutland, Vt. Sonny and Mo walk through woods behind Sonny's house and tap a tree to make homemade maple syrup for a big family breakfast. On the morning's menu: pancakes, homemade country bread and other goodies.

Pakistani grandfather and Sarasota, Fla., resident Riaz Gilani is 96-years-old, but you wouldn't know it by the way he swings a golf club. Mo Rocca and Riaz hit the links and also cook some delicious Punjabi cuisine including the flatbread paratha and an aromatic beef and rice dish Riaz has dubbed "Rocca Rice." Riaz's voice is so rich and mellifluous, he can make reading the phonebook sound like Shakespeare!

Ilene and Freddie Tsuhara, 71 and 73 respectively, are throwing a bash at their Concord, N.C., pad. Mo helps the couple assemble some fabulous appetizers including a twist on the classic: shrimp cocktail. There's also grilled pineapple and short ribs. And what's a cocktail party without cocktails? Mo learns some great potent potables from mix master Freddie including the Harvey Wallbanger.

Dave Whitney, 77, has fished all his life and he introduces Mo Rocca to the pastime on a lake in Lakeland, Fla. And of course, fish is also on the menu: bass fillets coated in potato chips. Since it's southern cooking, there's certainly going to be fried foods; hush puppies and biscuits. And there's a surprise for dessert!

Pete and Louie -- 63 and 61 -- live in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Central New York. Dinner consists of fresh-off-the-farm local fare including grilled lamb spiedies, Cornell chicken and peach crisp. Non-culinary activities include canoeing and naming favorite female vocalists.

Mo Rocca meets Sherryl, 52, a very young grandmother and her mother, Claire, whose family came from Syria before coming to the US. Mo, Sherryl and her family make a dish with stuffed eggplant skins and chicken. They also make stuffed meatballs called kibbeh with cherry sauce, and various appetizers. The big question -- will Mo give his blessing to the new man in Sherryl's life?

Kathy and George Boulukos of Freeport, Long Island, are as enthusiastic about sailing as they are about Greek cuisine. After hitting the high seas, Kathy shows Mo the ins and outs of filo dough; they make a molded spanakopita and rolled baklava, as well as a dish with shrimp and feta.

Bonnie and Barry Boyer, 72 and 75, of Nazareth, Penn., teach Mo about their unique Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, language and cuisine. The dishes Mo and the Boyers prepare are delicious but not exactly light, low calorie fare; buttery potato filling, shoofly pie and stuffed pig stomach. Luckily Barry, a legendary local High School basketball coach, helps Mo burn some calories on the court by putting him through his paces.

If you have trouble remembering Ki Sook Yoo's name, this 72-year-old grandmother from Laguna Woods, Calif., suggests you think of the words "Kiss You!" Ki Sook's life story of survival is beyond inspiring, but also is her ability to prepare delicious Korean specialties. Ki Sook shows Mo how to make kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine and one of the ingredients in Ki Sook's mung bean pancakes. The main course is classic Seoul food, galbi, traditional marinated grilled beef.

Mo meets the charming grandfather Dave Pearson, 75, who has been a chef with the Los Angeles Dodger organization for the past fifty years. Dave trains Mo to cook like a major leaguer without too many drops, errors or rookie mistakes. Dave shows Mo how to make his buddy Tommy Lasorda's favorite dish, lasagna, at Dodger Stadium, and later they prepare short ribs and green beans for a family dinner at his home. Mo also learns once and for all what getting to third base means.

Grandma Suzanne Taylor, 61, of Marin County, Calif., came of age in the tumultuous 1960s. On this episode, Suzanne shows Mo how to forage for natural ingredients in the woods of Northern California. Suzanne and Mo find some stinging nettles for a nettle frittata with a potato crust, and later they search for trumpet mushrooms to make a hearty mushroom galette.

MGR's first Mexican Grandmother is Olga Gonzalez, 57, of San Mateo, Calif., and she's quite a live wire with an infectious laugh. Olga teaches Mo how to make delicious chicken enchiladas, while her husband, Carlos, shows Mo a few tips and tricks for making a great margarita. This episode also features a preview from an MGR-inspired "telenovela" and culminates in a Mexican fiesta.

In this episode, Mo is safe in the kitchen because both Sally Starin, 70, and June Ploch, 68, are nurses, living in Montclair, N.J. Sally is the head cook of the household, and she shows Mo how to make a delectable roast chicken with a three-nut stuffing and a colorful side dish of vegetable hash, while June supervises the frosting of a yummy marble cake.

Clida Ellison, 76, may live in Detroit, but this southern transplant prefers to cook the dishes she grew up with in her native town of Natchitoches, La. Mo learns how to make Clida's favorite Creole dishes; gumbo, pralines and stuffed crab.

You haven't met anyone quite like Michele Riggi! Michele and her husband, Ron, built a 20,000 square foot castle made of stone on the main drag of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Palazzo Riggi, as they call it, is complete with a giant pool, a Balinese Spa, eleven bathrooms, a movie theater and bowling alley. Oh yeah, and her forty beloved dogs with names like Andy Panda, Coco Chanel, and Vicente Fox. Michele is also a great cook and shows Mo how to make a delectable eggplant parmigiana and something special for the dogs, too.

George Martin, 79, is a Native American grandfather, he is of the Ojibwe Nation and lives in Hopkins, Mich. In this episode, George teaches Mo how to make a big pot of corn soup. Sound simple? Think again -- the first step in the recipe is to light a fire without a match. George teaches Mo that handy skill, along with many beautiful traditions of his people. George also plays a mean game of mini golf.

In the tradition of Hollywood's glitziest leading ladies, Thelma Brelesky, 90, of Waterford, Conn., is ready for her close up. Since we're in New England, seafood is a must -- Mo and Thelma prepare jumbo shrimp stuffed with scallops and breadcrumbs. For dessert, Thelma shows Mo a bit of her Greek heritage by making traditional almond cookies called Kourabiedes. In addition to cooking, also Thelma teaches Mo how to swing dance, and stars in her very own pantyhose commercial!

Grethe Petersen, 73, of Bloomington, Minn., has been called the Julia Child of Danish cooking. Grandma Grethe, Mo and her family are hosting a delightful, multi-course luncheon at the Danish Center -- and yes, the food will be traditional.

Joenie Haas is an energetic, amiable, grandmother who cooks delicious and comforting dishes, straight from her log cabin on Milles Lacs Lake in Minnesota. The food she'll make is quite different from some of the things her son-in-law, Andrew Zimmern, is used to eating on his hit Travel Channel series "Bizarre Foods." When coming home after one of his crazy culinary adventures, there's nothing Andrew likes more than to sit down with a plate of Joenie's tater tot hot dish. On this episode, Joenie will introduce Mo the art of the "hot dish," as well as a delicious Jell-o salad and her traditional Christmas Jesus cake.

Aslaug Warmboe, 86, of Hastings, Minn., is originally from Iceland, in fact, on a recent trip to her homeland, she brought back some culinary specialties for Mo to taste. Traditional smoked lamb called Hangikjot, and some pickled shark with a chaser of the national liquor, Brennivin, are some of the delicacies Mo will try. Aslaug also teaches Mo how to make creamed potatoes, and a brown bread that in Iceland is traditionally baked for over two days with the heat of a natural spring. The episode culminates with a lovely family dinner complete with some traditional Icelandic outfits (but no Bjork swan dresses).

Ninety-something Ruth Taube is an institution on New York City's historic Lower East Side. She teaches Mo Rocca many things, including how to make a mean Matzo ball soup and farfel, as well as how to sew. Ruth and Mo also hit some classic Manhattan specialty stores to buy pickles and black and white cookies before they head to dinner with her daughter and grandkids.

Meena, 70, and Amar Giri were born in Nepal (land of Mount Everest) but they currently reside in Amish country, Lancaster, Pa. This charming couple takes Mo Rocca to new culinary heights by showing him how to make the dumplings known (coincidentally) as momos. They also visit a local goat farm and later make the traditional dish goat curry.

Mo meets the very dramatic former actress Julia Garay, an 87-year-old Hungarian grandmother living near Philadelphia. Julia shows Mo Rocca how to make the classic entrees of her homeland made with that very Hungarian spice, paprika -- Goulash and Chicken Paprikash. She also teaches Mo how to make a very refreshing soup made with sour cherries. Plus, a few surprise guests stop by while Julia and Mo are cooking.

Grandpa Bill "BK" Nuzum, 77, of El Reno, Okla., recreates what life and food were like on America's plains in the 19th century. His unique and fascinating hobby is to build chuck wagons -- he and his friends dress like a ranchers/cowboys of yesteryear and cook some hearty grub outdoors. They cook up some chili, biscuits, cobbler and a whole lot more using large Dutch ovens. It's living history at its best and most delicious.

Grandma Nona Flye, 75, of Dallas, and Mo Rocca go hunting in the woods of Quanah, Texas, and cook up their bounty in her recreational vehicle. Whatever they shoot will be on the dinner menu, whether it's raccoon, quail, or deer. Everything is bigger in Texas and Nona is a larger-than-life character worthy of this great state.

Grandpa Louis McMillan, 69 of Fannin, Texas, is a master at the art of barbecue. He knows what temperature to cook the meat, how to apply dry rub, how long to smoke it and cook it. His eatery was a former post office -- and the food there always delivers. It was deemed one of Texas' top barbecue joints many years running. If you like brisket, ribs and the South, you will not want to miss this episode.

Hong Kong-born Grandfather Kam Wah Chui, 77, used to manage a bustling Chinese restaurant in New York City's Chinatown. Now retired, he spends a lot of time shopping, prepping and cooking for his wife, kids and grandchildren (15 people in all) every day! He teaches Mo Rocca how to make some Chinese delicacies, including stuffed whole fish, roast pork, and tofu with vegetables. He'll also give Mo a primer on the ancient art of Tai Chi.

Sister Marie Pappas, 62, is a kind and energetic nun who lives in a convent in Hopewell Junction, N.Y. She has dedicated her life to her faith and to teaching young people about religion. It's a Hawaiian-themed dinner at the convent, and Sr. Marie and her fellow nuns teach Mo Rocca how to prepare grilled chicken with pineapple and a pineapple cake that could be described as heavenly. Sr. Marie also has Mo as a guest on her weekly radio show.

Guelda Barker, 93, is a charming grandmother from the small town of Mount Ayr, Iowa, population 1689. Guelda is a retired lunch lady who wowed the kids with all her many specialties, from hot beef sandwiches, to chocolate cake and her beloved cinnamon rolls. Mo Rocca visits Guelda during Mount Ayr's annual town festival, "Ayr Days", which has a parade and lots of good cheer.

Edna Mae Phillips, 78, is a native of Ida Grove, Iowa. She is a smart, spunky, hilarious lady who is very versatile in the kitchen: She makes a mean fried chicken and bakes a juicy apple pie. And being in Iowa, corn is also on her menu. She has fourteen kids and forty-three grandkids, so when she and her husband, Tom, celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, the number of family members attending could approach triple digits.

If you like jelly and jam, you'll love Pittsburgh native Kathleen "Kitty" Kleber, who grows just about every kind of fruit in her backyard and that fruit ends up in an airtight jar. The varieties of jellies, jams and spreads are astounding -- elderberry, candy apple, tomato, inferno, raspberry hot pepper, boysenberry and caramel apple just to name a few. Kitty picks and preserves fruit with Mo Rocca and they go on a shopping excursion to Pittsburgh for baked goods.

Part of the success of NBA superstar LeBron James is his giant fan club based in Akron, Ohio, whose members are spirited grannies rooting him on during every game. Mo Rocca spends quality time with Alder Chapman, the president of the club, and Pat Idley, who edited the group's cookbook. Together they create a meal that's a slam dunk -- jambalaya, beer batter chitterlings, corn bread salad, lemon meringue pie and more.

Mustachioed grandpa Vincent Pesiri of Clementon, NJ, 55, loves watching football almost as much as he loves cooking. Vin and Mo whip up some spicy crabs for the guys to eat while watching TV in the Man Cave. Later, Vin and Mo cross the Jersey/Philly border to shop for dinner (and punch a few slabs of meat). Back home, Vin and Mo cook up some hearty paella and bananas foster for everyone's sweet tooth.