Distinguished Women

Diana Falso Petrella

My name is Diana Falso Petrella. I was born on August 13th 1961 in Cortland N.Y. I lived with my mom and dad, my sister Debra, my sister Allison, and my two grandmothers. My grandma's did most of the cooking, good Italian food, canned preserves and fruits was all I knew. It was my grandma's way of showing how much they loved us. I've been cooking now on my own for many years, it's also a passion I have inherited from my grandmas. I love cooking for my family & friends. My children Elyse 13 and Anthony 9 are my biggest fans. I've been in several gourmet groups and I love having dinner parties for my friends and family. When I was a little girl, my family and I would go to my Aunt Fannies house for Christmas Eve dinner. She was a wonderful cook. I've inherited the role for entertaining my family on Christmas Eve. I recreate the food my Aunt made, baccala "fish stew", pastas, antipasta's, beans and greens, homemade breads, and several different kinds of cookies and pastries. My family looks forward to my meal every year. I am a big fan of keeping traditions going and keep the family unit strong and secure.

In 1998, I was diagnosed with M.S. I've been cooking from a wheel chair since 1996. Although it's more of a challenge, I still enjoy cooking homemade foods for my family and friends, for me it's my way of showing them how much I love them and it's a wealth of spiritual healing for me. I may never walk again, but I do walk everyday with God, and I tell my beautiful children that your life is what you make it. "It doesn't matter how long you live on this Earth, it's what you do for people while your here. I live my life everyday like it's my last."

Most Memorable Moments:

The birth of my two children was the most memorable time of my life. The second thing was the birth of my Cookbook--"Come and Mangia" for which my son Anthony gave it it's name and my daughter Elyse for the many illustrations she created for it. Recreating the food that I grew up eating took a long time but the reward of leaving these recipes to my children and family to cherish is the best gift of all.

Hobbies, Organizations, Clubs, Special Interests:

I love playing piano, canning fresh fruits and vegetables, helping out at my children's schools, watching children teaching religion, and lending an ear for my friends in need and loving life!

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