My background in the culinary arts began with instruction from my mother, a home based cook who developed original recipes while feeding our large family. From the moment I discovered my mother’s cooking as a child, I’ve been fascinated with cookbooks and all the culinary possibilities they hold. Over my lifetime, I’ve collected a library of well over 1,200 and read them like novels. They inspire me, however, I’m always dreaming up new recipes the way my mom did.