Growing up in a single parent home in NY created a necessity to learn how to cook early on. My mom could make boiled chicken and french fries but beyond that, she lacked any culinary skills.
So to make sure my little brother and I were fed, I picked up moms cook books and became a self taught kitchen king!
My first real job was in an Italian restaurant where I learned about how the blending of some spices could change the flavor of the dish dramatically (think pizza sauce versus spaghetti sauce). From there it was various kitchens and jobs until I was 27 and a single parent myself.
I love to cook - especially for a crowd and my kids grew up with all kinds of culinary delights (ok mostly Italian but way beyond that boiled chicken!).
