@notomatoe
Born in Little Italy in Chicago, first language is Italian, all Mediteranean foods, Oriental and seafood. Still make rustic Italian bread weekly and my own pasta(son and his wife can't do without), made my son's Italian wedding cake(even made the flour with pulverized nuts) with all the pasteries...my swan song!!! I am a widower, retired but still working as an Historical Preservation Consultant. I am also an active artist and will be having another show in the late fall. My favorite cook book is my mother's and it is NOT written down anywhere. Written cookbook is the original "Joy of Cooking". My son and my friends always ask me to bake pies for them. My son loves my mixed berry pie and any fruit pie. I often make coconut custard, and savory pies. The savory pies are great with a mixed Italian/Greek salad and the rustic bread, and of course a good Cab/Sav wine. My pet peeve is: Italian/Amercians who think all Italian food is drowned in "gravy". UGH!!! I welcome any inquiries on any recipe. If I made it, I will try to write it for you. I do not use my cook books for following; I use then for reading enjoyment.