Everybody Loves a Parfait!

So here's the thing - I love food. Yes, I know other people SAY they love food and I'm sure they do, but I LOVE FOOD! I was raised in a kitchen (ok, not really, but it sounds good doesn't it). I'm Sicilian (not Italian - yes there is a difference) and my Grandfather was always in the kitchen cooking one wonderful tomato covered dish or another and while unfortunately he never actually TAUGHT me how to cook, I watched him and I learned. This is actually how I learn everything - I watch. I take it all in and I see how others do things and then I adapt it and make it my own. This is also how I cook. This is how everyone should cook. Watch. Learn. Taste. Experiment. Sometimes it will work, and sometimes it won't. Sometimes you will end up laying in the middle of the kitchen floor crying hysterically as someone stands over you asking if you are alright and why the meatloaf is in the trashcan (or so I've heard). Don't be afraid. DON'T BE AFRAID. Think outside of your comfort zone. Oh sure, I have my favorite stand by classic recipes, ones that I have developed over the years and if you are lucky I might share with you as we travel along this culinary road together, knife and fork in hand, but there is more to be found. More to be savored - more food to cook, eat and share. Food is how I show my affection towards others - my fondness for them. If I have made you cookies, a cake, dinner or some sort of edible item which made your eyes big and your waist bigger, then I love you. There. I said it and I meant it. So as we get to know each other and our mutual fondness grows, you will begin to see the layers which make me . . . well . . . me.  Layers. Like an onion. Or a parfait. Because (say it with me kids) everybody loves a parfait!