Ciao, amici! I’m Sofia Russo, the heart and soul behind BuonoRecipes.com—your go-to spot for Italian-inspired deliciousness, global flavors, and recipes so easy you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Welcome to my little corner of the internet, where cooking’s all about love, laughter, and a dash of kitchen chaos. I’m here to help you whip up some buono (that’s “good” in Italian!) meals that’ll make your family beg for seconds.
I’m a 38-year-old mom, home cook, and self-proclaimed pantry wizard living in a cozy, slightly messy suburban home in Portland, Oregon. My crew? There’s Mike, my pun-loving husband who teaches high school history, and our two sous-chefs: Luca, my 10-year-old picky eater with a heart of gold, and Mia, my 6-year-old whirlwind who thinks every recipe needs extra sprinkles. When I’m not stirring pots or dodging Mia’s flour bombs, you’ll catch me sipping coffee on my porch, tending to my basil and tomato plants (they’re quieter than my kids!), or sneaking off to a bakery for a perfect cannoli.
My Food Story
I grew up in New Jersey, in a loud Italian family where the kitchen was the heartbeat of the house. My Nonna Rosa—my cooking fairy godmother—taught me everything I know. She’d knead dough with one hand, sip red wine with the other, and say, “Sofia, cooking’s how you feed the soul, not just the belly.” Those smells of garlic, fresh pasta, and herbs? They’re baked into my DNA. Now, as a mom, I’m passing that love down to Luca and Mia—one messy, giggle-filled recipe at a time. Cooking with them has shown me that anyone can make magic in the kitchen, even if your sous-chef keeps stealing the cheese.
What You’ll Find at BuonoRecipes.com
This blog is my way of sharing that joy with you. Here’s what’s on the menu:
- Italian Classics: Think pasta, pizza, and Nonna-approved goodies that taste like a hug.
- Global Adventures: We’ll jet around the world with flavors from every corner—no passport required!
- Easy-Peasy Steps: No stress, no fancy gadgets—just simple recipes with tips to boost your confidence.
- Sweet Stuff: Cookies, cakes, and treats for when Mia convinces me dessert comes first.
- Family Fun: Kid-friendly dishes you can make with your own little helpers (flour fights optional).
MY KITCHEN PHILOSOPHY
Cooking should be fun, not a pop quiz! I’m all about keeping it real—burnt toast happens, and that’s okay (just pour some wine and laugh it off). I love using fresh, seasonal goodies from my garden or the farmers’ market—it’s tastier, better for the planet, and makes Nonna proud. Sustainability’s my jam, so expect tips on wasting less and loving more, like turning veggie scraps into broth. And as a mom wrestling with Luca’s broccoli battles, I’m obsessed with recipes that are kid-approved, quick, and easy enough to whip up while Mia’s belting out Frozen songs.
Why I’m Here
BuonoRecipes.com isn’t just about food—it’s about making memories. Whether it’s a weeknight pasta that saves your sanity or a weekend treat that gets everyone dancing to Sinatra in the kitchen, I’ve got your back. Let’s cook up some magic together and fill your home with smiles, good eats, and maybe a little mamma mia energy.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear from you—seriously, you’re my people! Got a question, a recipe tweak, or just wanna say ciao? Drop me a line at contactus@buonorecipes.com or tag me on Instagram (@BuonoRecipes). Snap a pic of your creations, too—I live for seeing Luca’s “ew” turn into “yum” on your table.
Thanks for stopping by, amici! Let’s get cooking and make every bite buon appetito worthy.
Sofia Russo