Dom Deluise always lifted spirits

(Dom DeLuise was a talented actor and chef who was passionate about food/Associated Press photo)

Dom DeLuise Aug. 1, 1933-May 4, 2009

My day has stalled as I think about the great comedian and chef Dom DeLuise, who died last night at the age of 75, according to his son Michael. (Read obit here).

Dom DeLuise always made me smile, and his cookbook, "Eat This, You'll Feel Better," is one of my favorites, filled with recipes inspired by his mother and others who were close to him through life. I love the stories he tells behind the recipes, many of which remind me of my own Italian family and neighbors.
One of my favorite recipes in that book is "Father Orsini Balls," named after a family friend who was a priest. It was his recipe that inspired my many takes on meatless eggplant balls.
My mother had the same philosophy on food and life as Dom: "Eat, you'll feel better," was her mantra, no matter what time of day it was.

Heaven will no doubt be a bit livelier today and the angels better fed.

May he rest in peace.