I have loved cooking with my children and grandchildren for many years. The biggest thrill for me is when we are all together in the kitchen cooking together. When I am designing a menu I try to include the favorite dishes of everyone in my family. On special occasions everyone picks a special dish. We are a family who is always trying to find new recipes for healthy cooking and we all enjoy healthy food. One daughter loves and always picks some kind of vegetable dish. Another loves and always picks a fruit salad or some type of fruit dish. And I am crazy for fresh fruits and vegetables ( especially for the occasional midnight snack). When organizing family meals the menu includes a variety of nutritious foods. We are looking for calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, Omega oils and more, and so we add foods from each food group.

Soft cheeses are typically eaten with in a month or two of production because of their high moisture content. They have a much shorter shelf life than aged cheese, may be made from any kind of milk and vary in texture and pungency.

There are three styles of soft cheese . Fresh cheese, such as Ricotta and Feta may not be aged, or for a short time. Soft-ripened cheeses, which include Camembert and Brie, have an edible rind and soft center. Semi-soft cheese such as Havarti and Fontina are rind-free and vary in aging time.

Cheeses of the soft variety are very versatile and are great to have as a staple ingredient. They can be used as snacks and appetizers, as well as being an ingredient in many dishes. There are many flavors and textures available, and this group of cheese can become a welcome addition to the well stocked kitchen.

Italian food is one of the richest and delicious foods on earth because of the oils, spices sand seasonings used. No other food quite satisfies the palate like Italian cuisine. Some of the tastiest and most popular dishes include lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, ravioli and of course pizza. They are also known for their desserts, coffees and breads.

Parmesan, mozzarella and other cheeses combine with a blend with spices that ignites the flavor. Northern Italy is famous for lasagna, stuffed pastas and cured hams while Naples is famous for pizza and Sicily is known for seafood and gelato which is ice cream that incorporates sugars and flavorings.

Other regions are known for risotto cooking which are foods made with fish and beans and for goulashes made with olive oil and tomatoes. The various regions signify why Italian cuisine is unique and why it has remained popular since World War II.