This very exciting cookbook is a product of my childhood. Growing up in Brooklyn, I had the pleasure of enjoying many cuisines. However, my favorites have always been Italian and West Indian dishes as only transplanted Italians & Islanders can create them.

I wanted to make these recipes as simple as possible without compromising flavor and imagination. Most of the ingredients can be found in your local supermarket and you won’t need to purchase or borrow any extravagant equipment.

• I love garlic, rosemary and ginger …but mostly garlic. Most recipes have lots of garlic!
• Sharpen your knives because most herbs and all vegetables are fresh.
• It’s been about 15 years or so since I started to cut red meat out of my diet. Therefore, you won’t find any in this book. For that matter, you won’t find any of the “other white meat” dishes in here either.
• You’ll undoubtedly recognize the Italian influence in many of my recipes. I fell in love with Italian food when I was just a little tyke.
• There’s a West Indian flare to some of the recipes as well – Many people in my life provided me with a taste of the islands and I have faith that this gift will remain in my heart and soul forever.
• Did I mention that I use a lot of garlic? There is never, ever, ever-ever-ever, too much garlic.

I hope that you enjoy the recipes and the stories behind them. I also hope that you let me know how they work out for you and share your thoughts with your fellow Sizzlin’ members.

Well – Enjoy Your Journey. I Know I’m Havin’ Fun!