Memories are Made Around the Dinner Table: A Tribute to My Mother, Grandma Cungie Hardcover – December 2, 2025

Chef Annie Payton invites you into her kitchen—and her heart—with Memories Are Made Around the Dinner Table, a cookbook inspired by a lifetime of tradition, family, and flavor. Rooted in the warmth of her Italian-American upbringing on Long Island, New York, Annie grew up surrounded by the aromas of slow-simmered sauces, fresh herbs, and the comforting bustle of family meals. Raised by hardworking, loving parents—Connie (“Cungie”) and Carmine (“Frank”) DeFalco— Annie learned early on that food was more than nourishment; it was a way of bringing people together. That passion grew into a lifelong commitment to cooking with love and purpose, eventually culminating in her career as a chef and founder of Annie’s Gourmet Catering in Henderson, Nevada. This cookbook is a celebration of the dishes that have shaped Annie’s life—from Sunday sauces to festive holiday feasts. With every recipe, she shares not only ingredients and techniques but also the heartfelt stories and memories behind them. Whether it’s a savory pasta dish passed down through generations or a sweet treat that graced every family celebration, each page serves as a reminder that the best moments in life are often shared around the dinner table. Let these recipes inspire your own gatherings, nourish your loved ones, and help you create memories that last a lifetime—just as they have for Chef Annie. Read more