No chef creates alone and after penning 9 novels, I certainly had no plans to write a cookbook. It was my nephew Michael Thomas who changed my mind, insisting that I create a book of the recipes that my family and friends enjoy. Was it hard? Yes. Did I gain weight? Yes. Once I understood that there were many similarities in creating a meal and writing a book, I was able to fulfill Michael’s request. Allowing the ingredients to act as my characters and the directions my plot culminated in a titillating dance on my tastebuds and an orgasmic climax deep in my belly, making it a sublime gastronomic journey to be experienced either alone, or with those you love. I chose those I love.