Five generations ago, my great-great-grandparents on my father’s side of the family immigrated from Italy to America, working as grape farmers near Buffalo. My great-great-grandpa, Frank Balducci, died of a sudden heart attack in the family vineyard.

My grandma (Nonna) remembers her grandmother, Great-Great-Grandma Balducci, for growing the best peaches despite the Buffalo snows. My Nonna grew up with her own garden, growing tomatoes, onions and garlic. She fondly remembers going into the garden with her sister Marylin, a loaf of bread and a jar of miracle whip to make the best tomato sandwiches straight off the vine.