Cindy Dach on Pupu Platters and Mom's Sweet and Sour Meatballs

. What is the best dish your mother ever made? Sweet and sour meatballs from scratch. No frozen store-bought meatballs. We didn't have that when I was a kid...

By Amy Silverman

May 4, 2010

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.

What is the best dish your mother ever made?

Sweet and sour meatballs from scratch. No frozen store-bought meatballs. We didn't have that when I was a kid.

What is the worst dish your mother ever made?

I really can't think of one.

Tell us your earliest memory of going out to eat with your family.

Chinese food. We were always going out for Chinese food. My brother and I were all about the pupu platter, especially if there was a flame.

How has your mother influenced you as a cook?

She loves to cook and bake. Unless, we were irritating her as kids, it was her relaxing "me" time. I get it now. I can go into the kitchen and make something and unwind.

What is one thing you do differently than your mom, when it comes to food?

When my mom cooks, you only go in the kitchen if you are asked to clean it. She's a pretty messy cook. I clean as I go. I'm a little obsessed that way. I'm also willing to use spices. She was pretty committed to limiting her choices to garlic, salt and pepper.

What is your mom*s favorite dish?

Apple blueberry pie.

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Amy Silverman is the former managing editor of Phoenix New Times. She is a two-time winner of the Arizona Press Club’s Journalist of the Year award. Her work has appeared on the radio show This American Life and in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Lenny Letter, and Brain, Child.