Rosalia's Bittersweet Pastry Shop by Rosanna Chiofalo Read Free Book Online

table.
    Taking pity on her, Sorella Agata said, “Claudia, this is Veronique, one of our apprentices in the shop.”
    Veronique was so surprised that Sorella Agata had acknowledged her presence, she merely stared at Claudia and remained silent.
    â€œPleasure to meet you, Veronique.” Claudia extended her hand, which Veronique took, but not before glancing first at Sorella Agata for her approval. Sorella Agata gave a slight nod of her head.
    â€œPerhaps I can ask you a few questions during my stay here, with Sorella Agata’s permission of course? It would just be a few questions about your work in the pastry shop.”
    â€œYes, I would like that very much, Signorina Lombardo.”
    â€œPlease, Claudia.”
    Again, Veronique looked to Sorella Agata for approval.
    â€œIf Signorina Lombardo wishes to be called Claudia, by all means you must honor her request, Veronique. Now, please excuse us. We have a lot to cover before dinner.”
    â€œHave a nice day,” Veronique softly said before walking away.
    â€œAnd you as well,” Claudia said, smiling warmly. She noticed Veronique had an accent that didn’t seem completely Italian, but she couldn’t quite place it.
    Sorella Agata waited until she was certain Veronique was out of earshot before saying, “You must forgive her . . . How do you say in English . . . enthusiasm?”
    â€œYes, enthusiasm.”
    â€œYou must forgive her abundant enthusiasm. She still has a lot to learn, but she is a bright young woman. I have high hopes for her.”
    â€œI’m sure. You do not mind that I would like to talk to her and a few of the other workers—just to get their experiences as well?”
    â€œNo, that’s perfectly fine.”
    Claudia bit into one of the anise cookies. “Oh, these are to die for! And they just came out of the oven!” She closed her eyes, savoring the cookies’ sweet licorice flavor from the anise oil.
    Sorella Agata smiled, pleased that her intention of surprising Claudia with the warm cookies had worked.
    â€œI thought you might like these with your espresso. They have an—”
    â€œAnise extract. Yes, I can taste it. They’re heavenly.”
    â€œ Grazie. We actually use anise oil here instead of extract. I feel its essence is purer and imparts a stronger flavor.”
    â€œAnise oil. Interesting.” Claudia scribbled on her pad.
    â€œSo I was thinking we could start with the pastries first, then proceed to biscotti and cakes, and cover the specialized desserts like gelati and granite last. Oh, I forgot my recipe book.” Sorella Agata began to get up, but Claudia stopped her.
    â€œActually, Sister, I would like to start with your story—the history of the pastry shop, how you fell in love with pastry making, and of course a little about your life.”
    â€œBut we have a lot of recipes to cover.”
    â€œYes, but as I mentioned to you in my e-mails, your story is important for this book, too. I don’t want this to just be a straight recipe book. People who know about you and what you have done with this pastry shop are fascinated. I not only want to share with the world your wonderful pastries, but also the inspiration behind them as well as your passion for what you do. I know I’ve only just arrived here today, but I sense there is a strong familial bond between the sisters and even the lay workers you employ in your kitchen. I want this book to convey the intimate story behind the pastries and the love you all share for them.”
    Sorella Agata’s face looked pensive. “I see. I am touched you could see all of that since you only just arrived today.”
    â€œI am a writer. It’s my job to be observant.” Claudia winked at Sorella Agata before reaching into her messenger bag and producing a tape recorder.
    â€œSo if you are ready, Sorella, let’s begin.”
    Sorella Agata finished the last of her espresso.