Nicky D Cooks, Neighbor

I am a native New Englander living and raising my family here in Peters Township. I am a cooking instructor at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). I teach Italian-American Peasant Cooking classes. As for myself—I grew up in Rhode Island in a typical Italian-American house hold. I was extremely fortunate to have most of my family in a two-block radius from my parents’ house.

Many of the relatives that I grew up with were all phenomenal cooks, especially my Great Grandma Rosie, Nana Josephine and my Ma.

Our family was always surrounded by food; all of my fondest memories of family gatherings always involved food. Like most children in this type of family, I was basically raised up in the kitchen.

At a very early age I started cooking and baking.

By the time I was a teenager, I did all of the baking for the holidays. I also helped to cook evening meals for our family. In our home, cooking and learning to do so was not an option—you just did it. 

I am so lucky to have had this type of childhood; it started me on my gastronomical journey though life. I have so many foodies in my family and in my life. I am always learning from them and they inspire me—I love them all for this. 

Food and cooking excites me, it always has. I have an affinity for the old-world food that I was brought up on. So much of the traditions and recipes that were brought over from the “old country” are no longer around. I continue to cook this way and I teach others about this type of cooking, so that these dishes and recipes will continue on. 

For more information about me and the cooking that I do, find me on Facebook Nicky D Cooks Foodie Fan Page or if you have any questions email me at nickydcooks@verizon.net.

Buon Appetito!