ABOUT THIS COOK:

I am a graphic/web designer. When not at work I love being in the kitchen. It brings back good memories of all the great cooks in my family that are no longer with us. Sometimes when my husband comes home he will say our house smells like an Italian restaurant. I know of no greater compliment.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  I made steamed cactus once. Just once.

• What do you cook when home alone?
  Pastine with butter and milk.

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  My KitchenAid Mixer and my mom's rolling pin.

• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  8 to 12