Joan Ryan began her formal chef training at age seven cooking omelets in the kitchen of their family home in Chicago. She continued her apprenticeship through her teenage years when she learned to bake Christmas cookies, Chicken Kiev, pasta, crepes, and fondue. She religiously watched Julia Child on PBS, then graduated to the food network and is a big fan of Top Chef, which has expanded her culinary repertoire. Joan's passion for cooking stems from her love of eating and entertaining friends and family. Many of the recipes in this cookbook were first tasted by Joan at the homes of her family and friends. She shamelessly stole these wonderful recipes and has made these same celebrated dishes many times over the years for hungry fans. Joan counts herself as a very lucky person who is blessed with friends and family who not only provide wonderful recipes but who keep her laughing and perpetually fascinated with their conversation. This is Joan's first book.