A little about myself ~ As an Italian/Norwegian gal married to a great guy who happens to be my best friend, I am also fortunate to be the mother of four amazing young men who always make me proud. My love for cooking came from their love for eating. I believe that nightly family dinners are important. So, my fridge and pantry are always well stocked, and my stove runs on overtime many days of the week. Any mom knows that domestic life can sometimes get in the way of doing the things we love besides taking care of our families. The boys have grown, and eldest is now married to a wonderful gal I love. Although I’ve enjoyed every minute of my children’s childhood, including the little league games, basketball tournaments, hockey competitions, and more, I’ve always known in my heart there was more for me to do besides being the matriarch of the family, and only woman in my home besides my Maltipoo, Bella. Besides cooking, one of the other pieces of my life’s puzzle is writing. In 2004, my first book, Love for Angela, was published. Some time later, We Can Love Again made its debut. My third novel, Gracie Mae, A Story of Courage and Love, was published shortly, thereafter. Along the way, I've discovered a few other creative pieces of my personal puzzle when dabbling in jewelry design and creation, as well as glass painting. |
My kitchen
habits ~ Like many others who enjoy the art of cooking, I can attribute everything I know to my Italian grandmother who lived downstairs from me as a child, and of course, to my mom. Everyone who spends time in the kitchen has their own technique of putting a meal together. Even though I've learned from what I call the masters of the kitchen, I've naturally incorporated my own twist on the way I prepare an entree. This is something I had no choice in doing since Mom and Noni did a lot of…a little bit of this and a little bit of that…without any exact calculations whatsoever. I believe the process of adding your own personal touch actually makes a better cook. Like my mom and grandmothers, measuring spices is not my thing, However, I’ve taken the time to measure all ingredients and share a good calculation for my recipe followers. That being said, the following recipes are accurate as far as any quantifying goes. Some of my recipes are handed down from my mother or grandmothers. Others are creative conglomerations of my own ingredients. You will also find recipes that incorporate already prepared mixes, with an additional ingredient or two to give it a new spin on taste, texture, and looks. So, enjoy the variety of food choices. There isn't anything I would share with my recipe followers that isn't amazingly scrumptious and easy to prepare. Have fun! Donna Marie p.s. Visit often to discover additional recipes. |
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Follow me on Twitter Looking for a recipe? Cabbage soup Easy-cheesy Italian casserole Chocolate chip cookies (original family recipe) Donna's pizza dip Simmered Chianti steak Parmesan Italian pork chops Vodka Tortellini Polenta Ponzerotti Meatloaf Italiano Pasta Fagioli Spinach Quiche Squares Donna's Chianti Pepper Steak |