Bake like Nonna: generations of L.A.’s oldest Italian society share their holiday cookies

The stereotype of the Italian nonna, or grandmother, attempting to feed you until you burst holds true — especially at the holidays. “You talk with everybody, it’s not like you come here and you’re a stranger.” Michelangela 'Lina' Pompilio's Cartellate Time 1 hour 50 minutes plus several hours drying and soaking time Yields Makes about 2 dozen cookies “Versace” rainbow cookies made by Lauren Veca, left. These “Versace” cookies hold a special place in the Veca household: On Christmas Day 24 years ago she was rushed to the hospital to give birth to her son, Luca — missing out on the family’s annual batch of rainbow cookies in the process. Lauren Veca's 'Versace' Rainbow Cookies Time 4 hours, plus chilling time Yields Makes about 7 dozen cookies A simple, Italian “brick” cookie from Amanda Lanza, left. Amanda Lanza's 'The Brick' cookies Time 45 minutes plus overnight chilling time Yields Makes 17 cookies Italian pignoli cookies, right, made from a recipe by late members Marie and Emil Mor.