Confession Time
I married into a very, very Large, wonderful Italian family. I grew up eating meat and potatoes, my husband grew up eating pasta this and pasta that. His Mom can cook one "mean" lasagna. They even have it for Christmas dinner, for goodness sake! I had never heard of such a thing! As a child (I'm 48 now) I remember Chef Boyardee had this spaghetti dinner in a box "thingy" that my Mom would cook on RARE occasions.(Some of you know what I'm talking about!) So, needless to say I was a bit, no make that a LOT, intimidated when it came to cooking Italian food for Mr. P. The poor man was used to the best Italian cuisine and he hooked up with this young bride who knew NOTHING about it! I try and try, I really do and I have finally somewhat "mastered" three dishes. They are eggplant parmesean (above,) lasagna, and manicotti. I do have a secret weapon, though! But SSHHHH, don't tell my Mother-in-law!!