Chartiers Valley, PA|News|
Cookbook Combines History and Memories
Local author saw a draw to local cookbooks, mixed in his expertise and ran with the ideas.

My parents instilled in me a love for books at an early age. I could barely read and my mom would take me to the public library weekly—sometimes twice-weekly.
We'd leave with stacks of books and return them the next week only to collect another pile.
Then, I got into magazines. Veranda, Martha Stewart Living and many other glossy reads were neatly stacked in our house, encouraging my creative writing passion.
As a May 2010 graduate of Miami University (Ohio), I earned a BA in Journalism and Italian, and headed to Naples, Fla. soon after to intern with Naples Illustrated. There I covered stories from "haute" mac and cheese to interviews with an American Idol runner-up, starring in a broadway tour, and the U.S. Olympic men's bobsleigh coach.
The prior summer I spent abroad in Italy studying journalism in Florence. We traveled the coasts from Capri to Croatia, blogging, writing and drinking limoncello. I had the opportunity to interview Project Runway's Nick Verreos for the Miami Quarterly, where I served as the arts and entertainment editor. As publications director for Miami's Public Relations Student Society of America chapter, I edited, designed and wrote for the PRemiere, a bi-monthly publication.
I've interned with Pittsburgh Quarterly Magazine, as well as Cincinnati Magazine—assisting the Summer 2010 Cincinnati Wedding Magazine cover shoot was one of my favorite projects.
Throughout college, I wrote for The Miami Student and the Unione (oldest Italian-American newspaper in the U.S.), and for three years I taught the hip-hop dance workshop at our campus recreation center.
When I'm not editing, writing (or tweeting), I love to travel, bake, work out, study Italian and indulge in a stack of magazines or a good read. Also, I'm a stylist for Stella & Dot, a boutique-style jewelry company.
I was recently chosen as one of 2012's "Pittsburgh's 50 Finest" and will be raising money for cystic fibrosis through August.
I'm a proud aunt of six nieces and nephews, and certainly enjoy spending time with my loved ones.
Fun fact: I have a black belt in Tang Soo Do.
I'm very happy to be covering the vibrant community of Peters. With goals to benefit the township by providing quick and accurate hyperlocal news, and informing and participating in volunteer opportunities, I also intend to greatly contribute to the township and neighborhood efforts to continue making Peters a great place to live.
<b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b>
A hot topic in the area, of course, is Marcellus Shale drilling, if and when it's going to happen in Peters. I'm interested to see the outcome and for our team to cover the issue.
Also, with two new outpatient centers being constructed in the township, residents have differing opinions, mostly positive, in regard to health care. We plan to bring coverage of these centers and the programs they're offering to the community.
Read about the Outpatient Care Center's open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony here. St. Clair Hospital just broke ground for its new outpatient center on Route 19.
The latest hot-button issue? Catch up on the most recent story here.
Local author saw a draw to local cookbooks, mixed in his expertise and ran with the ideas.

Author Douglas Robinson's book is available online.
Author Douglas Robinson saw a draw to local cookbooks, mixed in his expertise and ran with the idea.
Author Douglas Robinson saw a draw to local cookbooks, mixed in his expertise and ran with the idea.
Attorney Lane M. Turturice has confirmed two of the three child care centers will reopen, including the McMurray location.
Attorney Lane M. Turturice has confirmed two of the three child care centers will reopen, including the McMurray location.
Author Douglas Robinson saw a draw to local cookbooks, mixed in his expertise and ran with the idea.
Author Douglas Robinson saw a draw to local cookbooks, mixed in his expertise and ran with the idea.
For the next two weeks, Chesapeake Energy will be testing its well at Trax Farms.
For the next two weeks, Chesapeake Energy will be testing its well at Trax Farms.
In July, Carnegie Mellon University's Hear Me Project posted 50 billboards around Pittsburgh, many of which showcase excerpts from children’s stories.
In honor of its anniversary, kids meals this week are only 99 cents—and mascot Smiley will be stopping nearby.
Try this age-old stress relief remedy.
Dr. Thomas Knight died on Friday. His cause of death has not been released.
Sign up your child by Wednesday for a week of educational fun!
On Thursday, three Institute of Museum and Library Services representatives got a tour of the library's "KEENage Korner."
Some lawmakers said they would support a local impact fee while others scoffed at bill recently introduced by state Rep. Jesse White.
The wet spring stalled planting, which has delayed harvesting for many farmers.
The wet spring stalled planting, which has delayed harvesting for many farmers.
The wet spring stalled planting, which has delayed harvesting for many farmers.