As a young “empty nester”, I searched for balance in my life. Although I enjoy teaching lessons immensely and find volunteering with Hospice patients very rewarding, I was still looking for some creative adult interaction to occupy some of my free time. Last year, one of my friends requested my assistance with an Italian dinner she was preparing for friends. She decided to use a couple of our family recipes from my Mother’s cookbook. We complete her dinner and proceeded to make a soup stock with mini meatballs for soup at a later date. I had so much fun helping out that I decided I needed to do something with all the “informal” training I had been provided my entire life.

 

My informal training began during my high school years when my parents decided to go into business for themselves and purchase a restaurant. After a slower than anticipated winter business, they ventured into catering. Our business was called “Easy Liv’n”. It was easy living for all our customers, but our family quickly found out how many hours it took to prepare and serve a great party. As a teenager, this was not my idea of fun! However, I learned many skills during that time that I continue to use to this day.

 

After college, Mark and I married on September 3, 1983 in Evansville, Indiana. Mark quickly looked forward to any and all meals my family hosted. He loved watching Dad grill and still refers to him as the “Grill Master”. After our wedding, we moved to Phoenix, Arizona where I developed a love for the Southwestern flair and Mexican food that was unique to this region of the country. I was always searching for a friend or coworker to show me how to make new recipes. Once I learned the basics, I started experimenting with my own style. Over the years, I became more excited about preparing a delicious meal to serve to our family and our guests.

 

When Matthew arrived in May of 1988, it didn’t take him long to start enjoying pasta. He regularly requested spaghetti and meatballs or “Italian Chicken” when his friends came over for dinner. While in college, he calls me often to ask how to make one dish or another. He also is having fun learning the art of cooking.

 

In honor of my youngest sister Jayne, our family has been given a huge life lesson. She showed us how to live your life to the fullest as you never know when it will be cut short. Our dear Jayne lost her 6 year battle with breast cancer on September 1, 2008. She has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to our family and others that had the privilege of knowing her. She reminded us to be grateful for all the talents with which we’ve been blessed and to touch as many lives as possible using our strengths and weaknesses.

 

With that in mind, I wanted to make sure our son Matthew has a collection of his Mom’s kitchen creations. Some of these are recipes from special people in my life, and many come directly from my heart. It took me many years to appreciate all I’ve been taught by many talented family members, and I hope you can make these recipes a special part of your family memories in the years to come.