Celebrating Dad: A Heartfelt Tribute and Our Family’s Favorite Rocky’s Spinach Pizza

(A cherished photograph taken in Sicily when I was just four years old, featuring my wonderful dad, my dear sister, my loving mom, and myself.)

As Father’s Day approaches, my heart swells with gratitude and countless memories of my own dad. This day isn’t just a mark on the calendar; it’s a profound opportunity to reflect on the immense impact he’s had on my life, shaping who I am in countless ways. Even now, as a grown woman of 35, I still affectionately call him “Daddy,” a testament to the enduring bond and the comfort of his presence in my world. He truly is one of the most incredible men I know, a source of unwavering strength, love, and inspiration.

My dad’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and deep-rooted family values. He grew up in the picturesque, small town of Castiglione in Sicily, a place imbued with history, vibrant culture, and the strong traditions of Italian life. His early years in Sicily undoubtedly shaped his character, instilling in him a love for community, good food, and the warmth of family gatherings. In the 1970s, at the youthful age of 23, he made the momentous decision to move to the United States to marry my mom, embarking on a new chapter filled with hope and the promise of a shared future. This leap of faith, leaving behind his homeland, speaks volumes about his courage and commitment to building a life with the woman he loved.

From his early days in the U.S., my dad carved out a life defined by his passion for food and an unparalleled work ethic. He started his career as a baker, a profession that became intertwined with some of my most cherished childhood memories. Every Sunday, he would take me along to a bustling bakery in the Bronx, a place that, to my young eyes, felt like a magical kingdom of flour, sugar, and intoxicating aromas. I would perch on a tall stool in the middle of the expansive kitchen, a warm cookie in my hand, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere. The air was always thick with the scent of freshly baked bread, sweet pastries, and brewing coffee, mingled with the lively chatter of my dad and his friends. They would catch up on family news and community happenings, their conversations flowing effortlessly in Italian, a language that, even if I didn’t fully understand at four years old, enveloped me in a sense of belonging and cultural heritage.

Watching the skilled bakers transform simple ingredients into elaborate, fancy cakes, intricate pastries, and rustic loaves was a captivating experience. It was like witnessing edible art being created before my very eyes. These Sunday excursions weren’t just about the food; they were about spending precious time with my dad, observing his passion, and feeling the vibrant pulse of his world. Our trips always culminated in the best part: returning home with a large, pristine white box, neatly tied with festive red and white string, brimming with an assortment of delectable Italian pastries and cookies, ready to be shared with the family for Sunday lunch. This tradition remains one of my fondest and most enduring memories of my daddy, a sweet reminder of his love and the joy he brought into our home.

Beyond his culinary talents, my dad is a man of remarkable character. He possesses a huge heart, a quality I am incredibly proud to say I believe he passed down to me. His generosity and compassion extend not only to his family but also to his friends and community. He’s always been the pillar of our family, taking exceptional care of us, ensuring we had everything we needed, and providing unwavering support through every challenge and triumph. He embodies what it means to be a provider, a protector, and a source of boundless love. He truly is the hardest-working person I have ever known, dedicating over 31 years (and still going strong!) to the demanding world of the pizza and restaurant business. His perseverance, dedication, and passion for his craft are incredibly inspiring, and I feel immense pride in his achievements and the legacy he continues to build.

A Culinary Legacy: My Dad’s Famous Spinach Pizza

One of the most delicious ways my dad expresses his love and heritage is through his cooking. He makes a truly “mean” pizza and calzone, recipes he has perfected over decades, ever since I was a little girl of four. The aroma of his homemade pizza filling the house is synonymous with comfort, family, and celebration. His hands, seasoned by years of baking and crafting, create dishes that are not just food but expressions of his heart and his Sicilian roots.

So, in honor of my dad this Father’s Day, and to celebrate everything he has taught me—both directly through his guidance and indirectly through his example—I wanted to share one of his very best creations: his spinach pizza. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a family favorite, a recipe that brings smiles and satisfaction every time. I first recreated this beloved recipe at a memorable pizza party I hosted in my home a couple of years ago. While I’ve tweaked it just a bit to add my own personal touch (he doesn’t typically use nutmeg in his sauce, but I find it adds a wonderful depth), the essence of his incredible recipe remains. I am confident that you will love this spinach pizza just as much as my family and I do. It’s a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients elevated by love and tradition.

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there! This celebration extends not only to mine but also to my loving husband, my dear grandfather, my wonderful father-in-law, my supportive brothers-in-law, my sweet nephew, my cherished cousins, and all my incredible friends who embrace the role of fatherhood. May your day be filled with joy, love, and delicious food!

Enjoy this special recipe!

For more delicious pizza ideas and flatbread recipes, be sure to check out my dedicated Pinterest board. You’ll find a treasure trove of inspiration for your next homemade pizza night!

Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Pizza & Flatbread on Pinterest.