I've been a full time teacher for 24 years. Growing up, my family owned and operated an Italian Restaurant in upstate NY since I was 6 years old. I enjoy cooking, although I wish I had a more spacious and updated kitchen to work in! My husband and daughter love to eat my food!!!!!! I love to collect and cook ethnic recipes from around the globe. My family loves to try new things. My Italian and Polish heritage had me cooking at a very young age--about 8 years old. I used to follow recipes, but now prefer to create and invent brand new recipes or variations on old favorites. Authentic Italian foods are a joy for me to cook, as they remind me of my youth and my family members--especially when the aromas of family favorites fill my home! Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake, Holiday Butternut Casserole, and anything Italian! I can't seem to get the hang of Japanese recipes--particularly sushi. I have all the tools and special paraphernalia, but it never comes out right!