I have spent many days watching and learning from Julia about everything food. I’m not a trained chef at a culinary institute but given my Italian-Irish roots I also spent many, many hours with my Italian grandmother and the teachings of great and authentic Italian cooking.  As well, I also spent many days with my Irish grandmother who in her own right had a mean tomato sauce as well as the Irish fare. Both of my grandmothers helped raise me to have an appreciation of food and family, and I will share with you what my grandmothers, my mother, and others have taught me about cooking, party planning, and just plain having fun!!

Hey, I do have other stuff to say.  My other passion and pride is Syracuse University. I’m an alum and I love spending the fall and winter months in the Carrier Dome with my family watching the Orange play football and basketball.

I am married to Sandro (yes he’s Italian, a real one – Italy is his native land)  and we have one son James. We still have James in our hearts but he passed away on October 14, 2020. James had a bright future as a graduate of my alma mater Syracuse University  (this is where my heart is full of pride). Although his degree was in economics I always thought he would end up in a caregiving profession.

 The whole family always had a lot of fun gathering in the kitchen to create the next great dish! With my mother and James gone, it’s taken some of the fun out of it.  However, I know the two of them are together and with that, I can keep living and breathing.