Italian meringue is made from the same ingredients as ordinary meringue, but the cooking method and results are very different. Its consistency is similar to whipped cream, and it is "mile high" with only three egg whites-plus it keeps well with little shrinkage.

The custard recipes (the source of the 51 flavors), use a streamlined microwave method that gives perfect results every time. A quick and easy stovetop method is also provided.

The recipes are grouped by custard flavor categories. There is a section of fruit custard recipes which includes lemon, of course, but also lime, and even pink grapefruit, along with flavors such as raspberry and orange pineapple. The chocolate, coffee, and nut section features amaretto chocolate, coffee pecan, maple walnut, and others. The fruit-on-the-bottom section features pies with a fresh fruit or puree layer that is topped with a different custard flavor, such as coconut strawberry, pistachio blackberry, and black forest. There is also a miscellany of flavors such as pumpkin and Rum Delight.

The second portion of this book gives description to the author's place of birth, hometown, neighborhood friends, and time spent with parents and grandparents. Lifestyles and occupations of former generations are discussed, along with their goals, philosophies, and ways for survival. The author takes us from her early childhood through the days of her becoming a married woman, sharing with her husband the dream of coming to America. Recollections of the author's children being born in America are joy gully noted, along with her dual citizenship. Details are given for preparation of monthly Italian celebrations, both holiday and religious events. Cherished memories and stories regarding husband, children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, relatives, teachers and neighbors are vividly noted.

In the last part of this book the author discusses her return trip to Italy for a documentary vacation, her comparison of the Italy she once knew, and the changes that have occurred over the passing years. The Author describes the joys of her Italian ancestry, along with her enduring love for America. The future for both her children and grandchildren are warmly expressed, including her hopes and wishes for her family.

The book ends with a special section of family-shared recipes. The authors closing summary brings meaning and explanation to the book's title, and her life as a woman proud to be both Italian and American.

The second portion of this book gives description to the author's place of birth, hometown, neighborhood friends, and time spent with parents and grandparents. Lifestyles and occupations of former generations are discussed, along with their goals, philosophies, and ways for survival. The author takes us from her early childhood through the days of her becoming a married woman, sharing with her husband the dream of coming to America. Recollections of the author's children being born in America are joy gully noted, along with her dual citizenship. Details are given for preparation of monthly Italian celebrations, both holiday and religious events. Cherished memories and stories regarding husband, children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, relatives, teachers and neighbors are vividly noted.

In the last part of this book the author discusses her return trip to Italy for a documentary vacation, her comparison of the Italy she once knew, and the changes that have occurred over the passing years. The Author describes the joys of her Italian ancestry, along with her enduring love for America. The future for both her children and grandchildren are warmly expressed, including her hopes and wishes for her family.

The book ends with a special section of family-shared recipes. The authors closing summary brings meaning and explanation to the book's title, and her life as a woman proud to be both Italian and American.

My husband Frank's mother was busy at the antipasto table sorting salad greens, chicory and arugula. Frank introduced me to her. I said, "Hello, may I help you?"

You may find yourself matching recipes with the lighthearted fables in my husband's memoir, A Remembrance of a Restaurant; A Decameron of Dining, or his other works, Under Blue Skies of Naples, Chez Dogs, and Naples of Salvatore DiGiacomo, which might grant a realized recipe added piquancy. For your convenience I have charted correspondences on the last page.

My husband Frank's mother was busy at the antipasto table sorting salad greens, chicory and arugula. Frank introduced me to her. I said, "Hello, may I help you?"

You may find yourself matching recipes with the lighthearted fables in my husband's memoir, A Remembrance of a Restaurant; A Decameron of Dining, or his other works, Under Blue Skies of Naples, Chez Dogs, and Naples of Salvatore DiGiacomo, which might grant a realized recipe added piquancy. For your convenience I have charted correspondences on the last page.

Italian-American Annette Marie Vitalone shares recipes from her family and friends certain to invoke memories of favorite childhood recipes. Amateur and seasoned chefs alike will indulge their cravings for apple pie, baked manicotti and traditional Italian Christmas cookies, just a few of the time-honored classics no longer found at the local Italian bakery.

Annette's Old World heritage and New World techniques are evident in the recipes and commentary in the Small Town Big Kitchen Cookbook. The creations are sure to stir fond reminiscences and create new memories and traditions for years to come.

The Small Town Big Kitchen Cookbook is the companion to The Big City Small Kitchen Cookbook first published by her son Anthony Michael Vitalone.

Long for a zeppole that are sold at Italian feasts, or crispy Italian bread, or manicotti light as air or delicate cream puffs? It's all in here and more.

Chocolate lovers will love the chocolatier recipes. They are truly decadent. Andrew and Phyllis entertain frequently and many guests have told them their chocolate ice cream is the best they have ever eaten.

And wait until you try their crumb cake. It is a sliver of cake with giant crumbs. Happy eating.

Long for a zeppole that are sold at Italian feasts, or crispy Italian bread, or manicotti light as air or delicate cream puffs? It's all in here and more.

Chocolate lovers will love the chocolatier recipes. They are truly decadent. Andrew and Phyllis entertain frequently and many guests have told them their chocolate ice cream is the best they have ever eaten.

And wait until you try their crumb cake. It is a sliver of cake with giant crumbs. Happy eating.

Long for a zeppole that are sold at Italian feasts, or crispy Italian bread, or manicotti light as air or delicate cream puffs? It's all in here and more.

Chocolate lovers will love the chocolatier recipes. They are truly decadent. Andrew and Phyllis entertain frequently and many guests have told them their chocolate ice cream is the best they have ever eaten.

And wait until you try their crumb cake. It is a sliver of cake with giant crumbs. Happy eating.

Italians have a great sense of pride regarding their culinary history, particularly for their regional dishes. However, their traditions are being threatened by modern industry and the encroachment of corporate interests in the food sector. This has led to the establishment of such organizations as Slow Food, dedicated to preserving all aspects of culinary tradition, including the sacrosanct activity of consuming a meal at an Italian table.

Enjoy familiarizing yourself with these terms and becoming proficient in Italian kitchenese. Cooking speaks to all the senses at the same time, so whether you watch, participate or simply follow your nose to the table, these words will be meaningful to you:

Italians have a great sense of pride regarding their culinary history, particularly for their regional dishes. However, their traditions are being threatened by modern industry and the encroachment of corporate interests in the food sector. This has led to the establishment of such organizations as Slow Food, dedicated to preserving all aspects of culinary tradition, including the sacrosanct activity of consuming a meal at an Italian table.

Enjoy familiarizing yourself with these terms and becoming proficient in Italian kitchenese. Cooking speaks to all the senses at the same time, so whether you watch, participate or simply follow your nose to the table, these words will be meaningful to you:

Growing Up Italian is a cookbook of delicious recipes, humorous short stories, and treasured memories from author Anne Marie Guarino-Schrank. These hard-to-find Italian recipes are compiled into one great cookbook, perfect for the holidays and for family gatherings.

With each group of recipes, Guarino-Schrank shares heartwarming family stories about growing up in an Italian family. Included are such delectable dishes as strufoli (honey balls), Easter bread, Sunday sauce, artichokes, cardones, soups, an eggplant appetizer, pizza rustica, and more!

Let Growing Up Italian be your inspiration to collect your own family recipes and to pass them onto your children and grandchildren. With great cooking tips and recipes for every holiday of the year, you'll love Growing Up Italian!

Pasta Fagoli, an Italian favorite
Brozoli, Mama Isabella's favorite
Porcini Mushroom Sauce, A sauce you'll love

There is more than just recipes in this book, my grandmothers share a taste of old Italy from their kitchens to yours.