@ Pierogi,
What a lovely note ... thanks for sharing ...
I am 50% Italian, 50% Swiss French ... my love however, is Italian cuisine ... and Mediterranean ...
I was born in Manhattan, raised in Vancouver. Moved to live with my Paternal Grandmom Margherite at 18 where I attended NYU School of Journalism ...
Well, of course, walked down the wrong side of the tracks a bit, and had my 1st daughter very young. Then a year and 3 mos. later the 2nd --- then, learnt a hard lesson and the B.C. Pill ... The Vet married me and has been my best friend since ... However, I left the USA back in the 1986 for Punta de Este, Uruguay ... The Vet´s Professional Opportunity ...
Well... he is Italian and when my Grandmom passed on at 97, she left me her recipes written in Italian ... I worked for my Grandmom during University and my Pregnancies ... front of the house ... learnt all from her and studied wines ... however, mom and dad, said, NO to restaurants, and hard long hours on feet or I would of done the Culinary Chef Route ...
I have taken uncountable courses over the years ...
So, this is my soap opera ... telenovela.
Kindest and Happy Holidays.
Margi.