Obsidian468

about me

I grew up in an Italian household. My father is a graduate of the Culinary Institute, and my extended family is full of incredible cooks, all of whom know old world Italian cuisine as well as any four-star chef. I learned my way around a kitchen from all of these incredibly talented people. Even though I've never been to culinary school myself, almost all of those that I've cooked for consider me one of their favorite chefs.

Ever since I was a child, cooking has been a passion of mine. I started off with simple things like omelets and tuna salad, and over the years graduated into far more complex and complicated recipes such as various marinades, brines, homemade sauces, sautees, and meals full of subtle and varied flavors, both strong and delicate.

I also love to create new dishes in the kitchen, the successes of which will be posted here. I'll also be posting a few of the old world Italian recipes I make on occasion.

Since my love of food has made my weight rather unhealthy, I've been focusing more on healthy dishes lately, and have been learning various Asian cuisines, as well as relearning cuisines I previously had developed my skills in, in order to eat far healthier, but still enjoy good food.

The cuisines that I've developed my skills with are as follows:

* Mediterranean/Italian/Greek
Cajun
Maryland
* General American (steaks/burgers/fried stuff/etc.)
* Tex-Mex

Cuisines that I'm still developing, but have mastered a few dishes, are as follows:

* English/Scottish/Irish
* Various Asian cuisines (Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese)
* Caribbean

Favorite Foods:

Pre-diet:

Buffalo Wings
Pizza
* Pasta with rich sauces (marinara and Alfredo, for instance)
Burgers and dogs
Steaks
* Various fried foods - pork chops, seafood, ocean fries, etc.

On the diet:

Sushi
Pad Thai (with either chicken or shrimp)
* Stir fries (often with a mixture of fruit, veggies, and meat)
Baked Salmon
Grilled Mahi Mahi
Steamed Shrimp
Salads with homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing
* Fruit salads

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