I was born and raised in the South, but I'm definitely happier here in New York! (Old traditions meet liberal thinking!) My parents were both excellent cooks and they raised me with a love of cooking and taught me the pleasure that can come from a great meal with the family. I've been cooking for my family since I was a kid and I'm definitely my happiest when I'm in the kitchen. I love to make Italian food, especially family recipes! I find appetizers delightful to make, and I love throwing parties with lots of drinks and finger foods. My favorite Italian tradition is making my Dad's mother's spaghetti sauce, which recipe was handed down to me in a special ceremony when I was 16 (seriously.) My favorite tradition on my Mom's side is the morning after Thanksgiving. Turkey gravy on corn pancakes. Weird, but YUM! My biggest triumph to date was when I successfully made my family's Easter Pie for the first time. It's a traditional Italian wheat pie with ricotta and dried fruit, and I even remembered to soak my wheat for the three days like I was supposed to! I couldn't be home with my family, so I made it for my fiancé's family's Easter Brunch. The pie was truly a day-long process on Saturday , but it came out just like it was supposed to! They even asked me to make it again the next year, which was such a special compliment. Grazie, nonna! Shepherd's Pie! I can't make a good one to save my life.