International Classics: Family Dishes from All Over the World and For All Occasions has been a long time in the making-an extension of a lifelong passion for cooking that began in the heart of France-my place of birth. I was shaped by the rich culinary traditions of my mother and her family from the northern region of Normandy, France as well as the bold and healthy Mediterranean influences of my father's roots from southern France and Spain. Food is more than nourishment-it is a balance of tradition, health, and enjoyment. In this cookbook, the green heart-symbol-next to select recipes highlights those that follow the principles of the heart-healthy Mediterranean Diet, long recognized as one of the most balanced and beneficial eating patterns in the world. These recipes feature nutrient-dense ingredients, and the golden cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine: extra-virgin olive oil. Refined by formal training at Ferrandi Paris-one of the world's premier institutions in culinary arts and hospitality management-my approach to food is grounded in classical technique, global perspective, and a deep appreciation for authenticity. This book brings together recipes that celebrate a lifetime of experiences in the kitchen, infused with the cultural richness of my upbringing and the discipline of my professional background. It stands as a companion to my memoir, The Becoming of an American (April 2023), where I first shared my story of leadership, opportunity, and identity through the lens of an immigrant's journey, coming to America through a BridgeUSA Scholarship, with ESCP Business School, Paris-France and Northeastern University, Boston, MA-earning both a doctorate in educational leadership, after passing the GMAT test-a traditional brick-and-mortar-on-ground MBA degree in general management in the United States of America.
