(This introduction was ghostwritten for a recipe book. The passion for cooking, blending the art of cuisine and today's practical fast-paced lifestyle became the theme for the book.)

Do you enjoy surrounding yourself in a world of exquisite foods? Do you harbor a passion for creating them? Then you've found the right book. Adventure with me into a love affair with cooking and discover a world of culinary pleasures.

Even the busy modern woman, who values her scarce and precious time, will lose no valuable moments. You'll learn how to prepare with timesaving steps. You'll find out how one delightful Mediterranean sauce, disguised in various meals, creates a whole week of menus. You think you have no time for gourmet cooking? Watch how easy it becomes and see how little time you spend in the kitchen. Even you, "the woman with no time to spare", can be accomodated.

And if you're a creature of passion, then there's no denying it. If you're like me, the love for cuisine is bursting to come out. So why not live a little and enjoy life? Indulge yourself and set aside this pleasure. "La dolce vita!" "The sweet life" as my little Italian grandmother used to say.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is _______ _________. Let me tell you how cooking became my passion and if not already...will soon become yours.

Our family owned an Italian restaurant nestled in Madera, California. My grandmother, arriving from Italy as a young woman with my grandfather, got a job cooking for cowboys at a nearby ranch. They raved about her raviolis, pastas and sauces. Their frequent suggestions to open a restaurant inspired my grandparents.

When a small business of Chinese restauranteurs were selling out, my grandparents pounced on the opportunity and acquired the space. The new livelihood soon turned into a family affair. They named the restaurant _________.

While my mother helped my grandmother with cooking, my father managed the restaurant. When I was old enough, I started hanging around the kitchen, watching how they hand made pasta, seeing how they combined garden grown tomatoes, with fresh garlic and basil into the basic sauce.

My grandmother's decision to retire launched our quest for a new chef, eventually leading to Franco's arrival from Italy.

Franco soon gained mastery of the family recipes and so began his reign over the kitchen. While my mother and grandmother both enjoyed cooking, it was never the passion to them that it was for Franco. Carefully selecting just the right tomatoes, based on kind and quality, he opened my heart to the joys of cooking. Fresh garlic, olive oil and the secrets of seasoning gave way to a whole new world of flavors. He answered all my questions and ardently explained his craft in detail. But most of all he imbued the love of his labor into the wonderful dishes he prepared.

The art of recipes handed down from generation to generation, along with Franco's amore per la cucina (love of cooking) became my undying passion as well. Now I'm sharing my inspiration with you, in the hopes that you may love it...as I do.