“Savoring” is the state of being in the moment and appreciating what you are experiencing about that moment. As a wife, an empty-nester mom, a daughter, sister and friend, I truly savor the time the spent with my people. And one of my favorite ways to bless them is with food!
When I first got married, I couldn’t even boil water. And I certainly never thought that MY table would ever be the table where everyone congregated. But quite quickly that’s exactly what happened! My grandfather is Sicilian and so is my husband. Sunday lunches at noon, and dinner everynight around 6 PM was the norm. It took some time, to be sure. But one day I stepped into the kitchen and something just clicked. I fell in love with the creative process of cooking never looked back.
Whether it is an Italian thing or a Southern thing, not sure, but our entire family is obsessed with good food. The centerpiece of all our get togethers is “What are we eating?” This question needs an answer whether we are tailgating for a ball game, barbecuing at the lake, celebrating a big day, or grieving a loss. Whatever the event, big or small, everyone expects to chow down or “mangia”!
My Mission
My mission is to share recipes, along with tips and tricks to help simplify the process of preparing and serving good food. I also want to encourage you to show up for the people in your life that you can care for. And if you show up with food that is even better!
Dedication
This site is dedicated to my baby brother, Joe Grelier, who passed away September 3, 2021 after battling melanoma. Joe was such an amazing man!! A loving husband and committed father, an athlete, artist, drummer, CPA, and the funniest person EVER. He will always be such an inspiration to me as well as to so many others. His big smile was so contagious! And he made everyone around him feel comfortable and welcome.
Joe often said that you are here on this Earth to give yourself away. To share your gifts and talents with others. He lived this belief out by creating and sharing his many types of art. One of my favorites is pictured above. He was sketching and painting up until the final days of his life. Another one of Joe’s lifelong loves was music of all kinds. As an accomplished drummer, he played in numerous bands, including his church worship band. He also regularly volunteered his time by teaching children drum lessons through an inner city mission.
Watching the way Joe lived and died taught me so much about getting outside of yourself and your own emotions. It’s not all about you! When you take the time to care for others that are in need you are blessed as much as they are! I had the privilege of being able to cook for Joe and his family on a consistent basis when he was at his sickest. During that time it was easy to feel helpless as to what I should say or do. But what I came to realize is that sometimes you just need to show up.
Many times over the years Joe told me “Go do something with your food.” Sharing these recipes is one thing I can do.
Enjoy!