Locke beautifully portrays the all-consuming love between her and Saro. It's a love that defies cultural barriers and family objections, a love that fuels their decision to build a life together despite the challenges they face. Even after Saro's death, his love continues to sustain Tembi, guiding her through her grief and shaping her journey of healing.

Initially, Tembi struggles to find acceptance from Saro's traditional Sicilian family. However, as she navigates her grief in Sicily, she finds solace and connection with her late husband's family. The warmth and generosity of Saro's mother, in particular, provide a sense of belonging and demonstrate the powerful ways in which family can extend beyond blood ties.

Food plays a central role in "From Scratch," serving as a powerful symbol of love, tradition, and healing. Tembi's journey of connecting with Saro's culture through food becomes a way for her to understand her late husband on a deeper level. The act of cooking traditional Sicilian dishes becomes therapeutic, offering a tangible connection to her grief and a way to honor Saro's memory.