Cookbooks under Construction
Writing recipes for my baking books ( and lasagna, too) has been a true joy. My first book, Sweet Maria’s Italian Cookie Tray was a sheer labor of love.
Collecting, testing and innovating classic American -Italian cookie recipes was a way to keep traditions and food memories alive for future generations. Compiling them into one book was just as much for me as other families that may have lost their own recipes and connections to the past.
Revisiting these recipes now, 25 years later, I am still in awe of the powerful memories they evoke. I’ll also be taking a second look at my other cookbooks, sharing revised recipes and photos along the way.
I consider myself a much better baker and writer now and think the time is right for a little facelift. Just for the recipes… I’ll wear my gray and laugh lines proudly.

Sweet Maria's Italian Cookie Tray (1997, St. Martin's Press still in print

Sweet Maria's Cake Kitchen (1998, St. Martin's Press) out of print

Sweet Maria's Italian Desserts (2000, St. Martin's Press out of print

Sweet Maria's Cookie Jar (2002, St. Martin's Press) out of print

Sweet Maria's Big Baking Bible (four books in one) (2008, St. Martin's Press out of print

The New Lasagna Cookbook (2008, St. Martin's Press) out of print

Small Sweet and Italian ( 2013, St. Martin's Press) out of print