Did someone say Spiedies?

An interview with Barbara Yonkin Bozon

Very much by accident, I saw a post on Facebook by Barbara Yonkin Bozon. She was sharing a photo of the spiedies she just made. The photo had me craving spiedies just like the ones I remember as a teenager growing up in Binghamton. It was also the perfect fit for MY TOWN’s August edition cover. So I reached out to Barbara and found her to be a most charming, welcoming, down to earth person. she not only allowed us to use her photo she also gave us a copy of the spiedie receipe she used.

Me: So Barbara tell us a little about growing up in Binghamton

Barbara: It was magical. The Triple Cities! I grew up in Sunrise Terrace, loved my high school years at Binghamton North, visited Recreation Park, the famous carousels, zoo, the museums, cultural events and the gorgeous State parks often.

Binghamton is a great place to live and for people to raise their family. I loved growing up there and will always cherish the incredible memories. It is very special and I will always consider it “home”. I will always love Binghamton.

Me: what do you miss most?

Barbara: I miss three things the most.

The most important thing I miss is my family, friends and the Binghamton people. There is something special about Binghamtonians.

People from Binghamton are extremely kind, nurturing, friendly and caring. When you make a friend there, you are friends for life. Binghamton people always reach out to help others and are there for you. In Binghamton, family and friends are very important.

I miss its beauty and the overall community. Binghamton has so many lovely areas and possesses a low key, welcoming, small-town atmosphere. It’s a wonderful melting pot of nationalities and traditions from all over the world.

The beautiful hillsides, valleys, river and lakes, magnificent historical buildings, mansions, great neighborhoods and peaceful country side, easy access to gorgeous waterfalls and wineries.

Binghamton’s incredible four seasons. Fall with its spectacular colors and crispness in the air, is my favorite time of year.

I miss the fabulous restaurants and ethnic festivals. Binghamton is the best of the best when it comes to food. Cultural family recipes that were passed down and cherished from generation to generation.

The Mom and Pop restaurants. Cortese, Sharkey’s, Little Venice, The Spot, Pino’s, Orlando’s, Brozzetti’s, Nirchi’s.

The variety of unique and cultural foods that made Binghamton “famous”. City Chicken, Halupki, Salt Potatoes, Pierogies… and of course, Spiedies!

The aroma of grilled spiedies always filled the air. Sharkeys’ famous spiedies, their fried and steamed clams, pizza…ahhhhh.

Cider Mill Playhouse and famous doughnuts, Spiedie Fest and Hot Air Balloon Rally, Lupo’s…oh and the bakeries! Binghamton offers the best fresh baked bread I have ever had. Second to none.

Me:   The recipe you shared is for spiedies – do you remember your first time trying them – when and where?

Barbara: Years ago, I moved to Raleigh, NC and was introduced to Face Book. I love to cook and I joined a number of cooking pages.

I stumbled upon a blogger/cook who was a Binghamton native. Her name is Linda Calabrese Hanks. Linda became my cooking idol and she is the originator of the delicious spiedie recipe featured. I tried her spiedie recipe and was hooked. I love to follow her cooking blogs and have used many of her other recipes.

I have tried many spiedie recipes. Linda’s “Spiedies-Heaven on a Stick” recipe is the best I ever made. It’s definitely a keeper.

Me: The photo you put on FB and allowed us to use on the cover of our August issue made our mouths water. It appears that photography and food are passions of yours. Have you considered food blogging? Or possibly writing a cookbook?

Barbara: I’ve always had a passion for cooking. At a young age, I enjoyed making pies for my Grandpa Rexford, he was especially fond of apple and also custard pies.

I would say that the foundation of my cooking inspiration came from my Grandma Yonkin. I loved to sit on a stool next to her and observe her make the most incredible, yet very simple meals.

She would often encourage me to help. For mashed potatoes, I loved to use her potato ricer and gently stir them to a perfect potato fluffiness under her supervision. “Spuds” as she called them.

As years went on, I cooked and experimented with foods more, my interest in gourmet cooking increased.

I love to look at a food photo and attempt to recreate it. Plating and food styling/photography is another passion. I’ve never had training in culinary arts, but I would love to, there is so much more to learn and to experience.

People have been telling me for a long time that I need to have my own cooking blog, open a restaurant or become a food stylist/photographer.

I just enjoy it. I’d rather be in my house, cooking and enjoying either a simple or extravagant meal at home, than going out to a restaurant. Although I would never turn down an invite out.

I always keep Papa Johns on speed dial as cooking mistakes happen and they have! Lol!