One of my favorite sayings, La Dolce Vita, means “The Sweet Life” in Italian. This beautiful phrase embodies the joy of cherishing life’s sweetness and embracing all it has to offer. To truly live La Dolce Vita, one must savor life, treating every experience as a delightful delicacy. Incorporating gratitude for both the simple and extraordinary things into our daily routines is the secret ingredient to a fulfilled life.

For me, cooking is the ultimate Dolce Vita activity. My passion for cooking shines through every dish I create. Each recipe is nurtured with love and care. Cooking is a constant in my life, serving multiple purposes—it has been my savior and my teacher, helping me to embrace my imperfections and turn them into something delicious. It empowers me. Whenever I feel down, lonely, or lost in darkness, stepping into my kitchen brings me back to light.

I’ve had countless epiphanies while chopping vegetables and stirring sauces. Through these moments, I’ve realized that I am textured in flavors: delectable, bitter, tasty, flavorful, aromatic, spicy, sweet, subtle, and bursting with zest.

A saying that often comes to mind is, “We aren’t getting out of here alive.” It’s a powerful reminder to stay present and live each day as if it were our last. So, if you’re tempted by that extra plate of pasta or another glass of wine, go for it. Live La Dolce Vita!