Welcome
Hello! I’m Marie Pinto Bialek
A first-generation Italian-American self-taught cook based out of the Philadelphia area and the writer and cook behind this site. Have spent most of my life in the Philadelphia area, with roots in the Campania region of Italy, I draw inspiration from my Italian heritage and Philadelphia upbringing. Frequent visits to Central NY (Utica) and a brief stay in the Midwest have also influenced by cooking and baking.
Growing up in Philadelphia significantly influenced my cooking. The city’s rich culinary heritage, with its iconic dishes like soft pretzels, tomato pie, and Philly roast pork, instilled a deep appreciation for local flavors, and the vibrant food culture in Philadelphia introduced me to a diverse range of cuisines and ingredients, inspiring me to infuse my cooking with a blend of influences.
Get to Know Me
My Favorite Soups
My Favorite Cookies
My Favorite Breakfast
Personal Favorites (hard to choose!)
I’m always curious when I visit someone’s cooking site – what is their favorite? What do they make mostly?
This was hard to choose – almost impossible, to be honest! Here is a partial selection of some of my favorites in no specific order. Oh, and I left out Utica greens and chicken riggies, which I always make, so don’t forget to check those out too.