For as long as I can remember, my mother has taught me to fight for everything I’ve ever wanted, and to never take “no” for an answer. While a juvenile understanding of this philosophy created a rather mouthy, indignant teenager, I find myself growing comfortably into a confident, tenacious, resolute woman as I tiptoe through my twenties.

I often sigh that it’s my sister whose face mirrors my mother’s and my grandmother’s, and that I will never feel the way they do when I glance at my reflection. Recently, this problem has begun to solve itself. Every time I open my mouth, my mother’s iron will and quick wit spill right out!

Growing up in a big, Italian family, food has always been central to our lives. Today, my mother and I can often be found right back in her kitchen, elbowing each other as we fight to use the stove. This is my favorite comfort food, and one thing she and I will always agree on.

Macaroni Pie

¾ of a pound of spaghetti

12 large eggs

1 cup diced ham

1 cup diced pepperoni

¼ cup grated parmesan or Romano cheese

1 8 ounce bag of shredded mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While it’s boiling, beat the dozen eggs in a very large mixing bowl. Next, add in the meats, cheeses, and black pepper. When the spaghetti is cooked, rinse it quickly under cold water before adding it to the egg mixture and stirring to fully combine. Add the mixture to a buttered 9.5 x 11 baking pan, and bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes, until egg is fully set all the way through.

-Anna, Associate Marketing Manager- Content