Good topic DJ. I was raised with good Italian food and marrying an Italian, I had both my mother and mother in law who were great cooks give advice. However, I think my skills are limited. I can't make the variety of dishes that either of them could. I should have paid more attention. Cookbooks are good, but nothing like asking mom for original receipes ya know?

Both my mom and MIL taught me the spaghetti sauce, and it took me literaly a few years before I could say I was satisfied with it. It's funny how everyone's sauce is different. It's similar to my mom's and to my MIL's but not exactly the same. Don't know why. Probably most everyone puts the same ingredients in their sauce, yet no two taste the same.

Ok, I'm done gabbing. I'll try to think of a good receipe to post.

TIS