Intro -- Title Page -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Foreword: A Hero Who Is Also a Friend -- Introduction: It All Began with Love -- I. Home Is Where Your Heart Is -- II. The American Dream -- III. The Motel Kids -- IV. Heroes . . . Big and Small -- V. The Pastathon -- VI. Life Is a Combination of Magic and Pasta -- VII. The Hospitality Academy -- VIII. Kind Words Are the Music of the World -- IX. Italy-The Land of Love and Generosity -- X. Always Listen to Your Mamma -- XI. New Beginnings -- Recipes -- Appetizers/Small Plates -- Ahi Tartare -- Duck Legs in Potato Nests -- Escargot Ravioli -- Heirloom Tomato Salad (Caprese Salad) -- Lobster Ravioli with Citrus Sauce (a.k.a. Gwen Stefani Ravioli) -- Portobello Mushroom Ravioli -- Scallops with Beet Mashed Potatoes -- Smoked Salmon -- Stuffed Calamari -- Tortellini Caterina -- Entrees -- Braised Short Ribs -- Braised Rabbit -- Cheese Ravioli with Porcini Mushroom Sauce -- Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Cheese -- Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cheese Sauce -- Italian Branzino -- Kale Ravioli in Mango Sauce -- Linguine with Chive Pesto -- Lobster Cioppino -- Lobster Tails -- Mamma's Spaghetti Marinara -- New York Steak -- Pappardelle Bolognese -- Pasta Calabrese -- Penne alla Vodka -- Penne Amatriciana -- Poached Salmon au Chocolat -- Prawns and Scallops -- Rack of Lamb -- Rigatoni Carbonara -- Sand Dabs -- Seared Ahi with Tropical Relish -- Shrimp Scampi -- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio -- Veal Osso Buco -- Whitefish Florentine -- Desserts -- Apple Tart -- Chocolate Illusion Hazelnut Mousse -- Crème Brûlée -- Dolce Zabaglione -- Tartina di Frutta (Fruit Tartlets) -- Tiramisu -- Acknowledgments -- Recipe Index -- Index -- About the Author -- Awards Received.