I am a wife, a mother, a software developer, a stained glass artist and a professional chef wanna-be. I am fulfilled by creating things, from the artistic, to the scrumptious and even the technical. I love bringing people the joy of experiencing a wonderful meal. Anything new! I am the queen of experimentation and make a point to try a few new recipes each week. I have carried on my Italian Nana's tradition of making delicious candy at Christmas including caramels, toffee, honeycomb, and new treats every year. Thanksgiving 2003: With the help of my wonderful mother, I put on the full-blown, over the top, beyond indulgent spread. Including the traditional turkey, stuffing, potatoes and cranberries, but also the traditional Italian manicotti, meatballs and fried cardunis (the stalk of the artichoke plant breaded and fried in olive oil - mmm). We made Nana proud. I hope to be just like her when I grow up!! I hosted a Kindergarden "Tea" and prepared the "Clone of a Cinnabon" recipe I found on this site (awesome!). But in my frenzy, I forgot that I needed to bake them on a rimmed cookie sheet and filled my house with smoke 15 minutes before the party!!! With the help of some friends and a cold Colorado breeze, we cleared the air just in time.