For many years I have dreamt of writing a cookbook ever since I was a little girl standing at my mother's and grandmother's hip helping them cook. I have always been fascinated by the art of cooking. When I was growing up, I always related cooking with family. And still do. From the holidays to Sunday dinners at Nannys and Pa's, the parties and cookouts, the weddings and family reunions. I don't remember our family using caterers for our events. Our family cooked for all our own events big and small. Everyone had a specialty they contributed and there were always mountains of food, and it was all delicious!

Now that I am a mom and grandmother, I wanted to write a book of family recipes and dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation. I wanted to share my own recipes that I have created through the years. I want my children and their children to have something to remember me by once I'm gone and hear the stories behind some of the dishes and be able to continue with some of our traditional family recipes. I wanted to be able to introduce my children and their children to family members they have never met and who are no longer with us but have impacted my life.

Cooking has always been a way to bring my family together. In my home, sitting down for a meal together is a priority and my favorite part of the day. Cooking has always been more than just cooking for me, it's making memories, bonding and spending time together.

My goal for this book is to get families together in the kitchen and around the table. For everyone to put the phones and electronics down and talk to one another. Preparing ingredients and cooking a dish together is part of the whole experience. Cooking with my children and grandchildren gives me so much joy. So many memories with my children and grandchildren have been made in the kitchen. And it's my hope that after you read this book, you'll be inspired to get in the kitchen with your family, cook a dish and make some memories. It doesn't matter where you are, where you live, what type of home you live in. What matters is that you're together. Family will always be the most important "ingredient" in your household. In your life.