This book is dedicated to my mom, Carol Maus. My childhood is filled with so many great memories of food and being around the dinner table, and it really inspired me to do a lot of my own cooking today, a love that I hope I can pass along to both of my kids, Max and Sophie. Some years ago, my brother Doug, sister Joan, and I all talked about getting all of our mom's best recipes together in one place so we could make our favorite recipes from when we were growing up. We talked about photocopying all of the original recipes and combining them into one book so each of us could have a copy for our families. Then one Christmas, we (the kids) were all delighted to see that Mom gave each of us a journal book of all of our favorite recipes (and then some). Each cookbook was handwritten, so she had to recreate the same book three times A few of these recipes are signature dishes from either my mom or dad, and both of my grandmothers each have at least one recipe in here that is sure to please. Even my stepdad, Paul Maus, has his signature recipe included. I've also included - in addition to the recipes that Mom included - a few of my own favorites as well as a few favorites of my brother and sister. For some recipes, I've included a special note where I wanted to say something a little extra about it. I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I have