My culinary journey began in a sixth-grade economics class with an apple pie assignment.
The joy on my mom’s face when I brought it home made me realize I had a knack for baking. From then on, even as a 10-year-old, I became the go-to baker in our family.
Cooking entered my life at an earlier age
thanks to my mother & aunts who taught me cherished Neapolitan Italian recipes. With my Sicilian grandfather’s influence, I also embraced Sicilian culinary traditions. Standing on a step stool to reach the stove, I followed my mom’s instructions and developed a lifelong passion for cooking. These experiences culminated in my cookbook, “Mangia, It’s Good For You!”—a guide on “How to Cook Like an Italian for the Holidays”showcasing those treasured family recipes.
Raising three children as a single mom was challenging,
but it inspired me to turn my love for baking into a business. To supplement my income, I began baking and selling cakes. Striving for excellence, I experimented tirelessly until I perfected my recipes. The result? An array of irresistible treats including an extra creamy gourmet cheesecake, a delectable gourmet carrot cake, a decadent double-layer chocolate cake, and numerous scrumptious pies. The rave reviews from my family, friends, and customers inspired the name OMG Cakes, as everyone exclaimed, “Oh My God! This cake is so good!”
Although I paused my cake business for a steady career, the passion never faded. Now, thirty years later, encouraged by those same supportive voices, I’m relaunching my cake business. I invite you to “Taste a Slice of Heaven” and experience the love and dedication in every bite.
Hedy’s Cookbook: “Mangia, It’s Good For You!”
Every generation risks losing a bit of their heritage, often reflected in the loss of cherished family recipes. To preserve my family’s culinary traditions, I wrote “Mangia, It’s Good For You!” This cookbook is a collection of classic Neapolitan Italian recipes passed down from my mother and aunts, recipes that I’ve cherished and continue to make to this day. It also includes some beloved Sicilian recipes from my grandfather.
These recipes were part of our daily life, especially
on Sundays and holidays like Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas. By sharing them, I hope to keep our heritage alive for my children, grandchildren, and anyone who loves good food. Even if you’re not Italian, this cookbook will help you “Cook Like an Italian for the Holidays.”
I hope you enjoy my cookbook and the recipes as much as my family has over the years. Buon appetito!