Who's Cooking: Carrie Varrone of Plainview

CARRIE VARRONE

A teacher's aide in the Syosset school system, she also drives a school bus. The mother of three daughters, ages 28, 25 and 17, she lives with her husband, Michael, in Plainview.

How did you get interested in cooking? When I was growing up, our best meal was pizza. So I promised myself when I got married I would learn to be a good cook. You can either emulate what you see or do a 180.

What's your favorite thing to cook? I've been collecting recipes for 30 years. For a while, I thought about putting together my own cookbook. I make my own appetizers, main courses, soups. I also like to bake - I make a good pound cake, mandelbrot. We do a lot of entertaining - that's pretty much what I do.

Have you got a favorite cuisine? I like to be creative and try different things. But a favorite? I guess I would have to say Italian. Who doesn't like Italian food?

What about kitchen equipment? Is there anything you couldn't cook without? My kitchen is kind of basic: a good fry pan, an old-fashioned mixing bowl. You don't need all those fancy-schmancy things to be a good cook. It's really about the ingredients.

What about the noodle pudding recipe? Where did it come from? My next-door neighbor always made it, and I always make it for Thanksgiving.

Do you have a favorite restaurant? Giulio Cesare, in Westbury.