My Mother owned a restaurant and was a great cook. I learned from her: she was Italian but married a Pa dutchman so there was a wide variety in our household and restaurant. She was also a fabulous baker, which I am really not that good at; no patience. I love cooking for people but never wanted the stress related to a restaurant. Holiday family meals were wonderful memories for me. When my kids came for dinner which was almost every weekend, the first thing they did was open the refrigerator and look for left overs. meats, fish, veggies,finding different ways to prepare vegtables. Holiday Meals, making Christmas cookies with my Mom. We made huge amouts for all her brothers. Big old Lard cans full of cookies. We started a week before Thanksgiving and did it almost every night. And no I am not a cookie maker. Veal Cutlets, homemade New York Style Cheese Cake, Black as Hell Cake. Veggie gratans, Braciola, PA Dutch Chicken pot pie with homemade pot pie dough. Italian bread. Made Apple dumplings using Pot Pie Dough recipe instead of Pie Dough. I was 17, who knew?