Stefano Zarrella and his mom - Together at the stove for a good cause
Stefano Zarrella (33) is one of the most successful food bloggers in Germany, but at Christmas his mother rules the kitchen, he laughs at a charity event in Cologne. The younger brother of Giovanni Zarrella (45) conjured up a Christmas menu for "Die Arche" together with his mother Clementina at the invitation of Lieferando. This is the third year in a row that the delivery service has supported the children's and youth charity during the Christmas period.
"To give the whole thing even more love and meaning, I invited my mom to cook along. She's the reason why I discovered my passion for cooking," enthuses the 33-year-old, chatting about the interesting Christmas traditions in the extended family that have been established over the years thanks to the Zarrellas' Italian roots and Jana Ina Zarrella's (47) Brazilian influences.
Are you cooking a Christmas menu for the children's and youth project "Die Arche", a project close to your heart?
Stefano Zarrella: Yes, it's definitely a project close to my heart. To give it even more love and meaning, I invited my mom to cook along. She is the reason why I discovered my passion for cooking. She taught me how much joy you can give through cooking. When I received the request, I accepted without hesitation. There is nothing better than passing on this joy. Working with the Arche and Lieferando to offer the children something special is a wonderful opportunity to do good and share my love of cooking at the same time.
What exactly does the Christmas menu look like?
Zarrella: The Christmas menu I'm preparing for the children revolves around a very special dish: white Bolognese. This version of Bolognese is a creative twist on a classic. In Germany, most people immediately think of spaghetti Bolognese when it comes to pasta. With the white Bolognese, we want to offer children something that provides an 'aha' effect. This recipe used to be the most popular dish at my parents' restaurant. It combines the familiarity of classic Bolognese with a surprising twist, making it an exciting one for our Christmas menu.
You conjure up a wide variety of dishes on your Instagram account and have just published the cookbook "Unbelievably delicious". How did your mother spark your passion for cooking?
Zarrella: I grew up in an environment where a passion for cooking was central to family life. I was practically born with this love and dedication to cooking. Incidentally, the name of my cookbook "Unbelievably delicious" came about quite naturally. At the end of my cooking videos on Instagram, I often say "Unbelievably delicious", and this expression has become a kind of trademark. It reflects the enthusiasm and joy I feel when cooking and sharing my creations.
What is your specialty dish? What are your favorite dishes to cook?
Zarrella: My specialty dish, which I particularly enjoy cooking, is a low-carb, high-protein dish: rolled zucchinis. I place zucchini slices on a baking tray, mix eggs, salt, pepper and a dash of milk and spread this mixture over the zucchinis. I then top them with either vegetables or minced meat, roll them up and bake them with mozzarella. This dish is one of my most popular videos and recipes. I generally like to cook pasta recipes that are quick and easy to prepare. Pasta dishes are also particularly popular in Germany. (laughs)
Are you also responsible for the Christmas menu at home?
Zarrella: Mom also rules the kitchen at Christmas. I sit back and enjoy the great food. (laughs)
How will you be spending the Christmas holidays, will you be celebrating with the whole family?
Zarrella: This year we're spending Christmas together as a family. Traditionally, my mother does the cooking and spoils us all with her culinary delights. I always try to help where I can and am allowed to - always under her careful guidance, of course (laughs). Last year was particularly entertaining for us, as I cooked the festive meal and dared to fillet a whole salmon. I had bought a whole salmon and it was a fun experience to get instructions from my mother on how to fillet it properly. These shared moments in the kitchen are not only educational, but also a nice and fun time with the family.
Your family has Italian roots, your sister-in-law Jana Ina has Brazilian roots, what Christmas traditions have become established in your family?
Zarrella: Interesting Christmas traditions have developed in our family thanks to our Italian roots and the Brazilian influences of my sister-in-law Jana Ina. Jana Ina often enriches our Christmas dinner with her culinary specialties. In Brazil, it is customary to eat turkey, rice and beans at Christmas, and she sometimes brings these dishes to our celebrations. A particular highlight is the coconut cake she bakes - I love it! This cultural diversity makes our Christmas celebrations unique and particularly delicious. It's a nice mix of traditions that enriches our Christmas table and makes the holidays a very special experience for all of us.
The Christmas season also marks the start of the final spurt for 2023, how would you personally sum up the year?
Zarrella: For me, 2023 was another year in which I had the privilege of realizing my dreams. I am especially grateful for the growth of my community and my family. Every day I feel a closer connection to both. This development gives me a lot of strength and motivation. I am very grateful for everything that has happened this year and hope that this positive trend will continue and that many more cool and exciting projects will emerge in the future. It's a feeling of deep gratitude and anticipation for what's to come.
What do you want for 2024?
Zarrella: My main wish for 2024 is to stay healthy. I also hope to continue to have the opportunity to realize beautiful projects and to share my passion for what I do with many people.
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Source: www.stern.de
