Archived Post

I never thought I'd be writing about food, but after years of sharing the kitchen with my wife Debra and mom Marie, I've got a few stories to tell. You see, our home is always filled with the aromas of fresh-baked bread, simmering sauces, and roasting meats – and I'm not just talking about Debra's famous lasagna. Behind every delicious dish served at the Barone household is a story, a tradition, or a secret ingredient passed down from generation to generation.

The Inspiration

Everybody Loves Raymond was more than just a TV show – it was our life. The characters, the situations, and even the recipes were all inspired by real-life events and people in my family. My brother Robert's competitiveness, my dad Frank's stubbornness, and my mom Marie's meddling are all traits I drew from to create the lovable but flawed characters that made the show so relatable.

Mom Marie's Masterpieces

My mom was the queen of the kitchen. Her cooking was legendary, with dishes like her famous chicken cutlets and homemade fettuccine Alfredo that could bring even the grumpiest of family members to the table. I remember helping her prepare for holiday meals, watching as she effortlessly whipped up a dozen pies or roasted an entire turkey by herself. Her secret? Love and patience – she always said that the key to a great meal is taking your time and putting your heart into it.

Debra's Delights

My wife Debra was the culinary rock in our household, keeping us all fed with her delicious dishes and her infamous sense of humor. Her lasagna was always the star of the show, but she also whipped up amazing chicken parmesan, beef stroganoff, and even a mean chili that could warm the coldest of hearts. Debra's passion for cooking was contagious – I still can't get enough of her homemade ravioli.

From Script to Plate

When it came time to create recipes for the show, we drew inspiration from our favorite family dishes and adapted them for the screen. The show's executive producer, Phil Rosenthal, would often joke that he was a "food critic" because of all the meals he had to endure during filming. But even with all the craziness on set, we always made time for food – whether it was Debra's famous sandwiches at lunch or Marie's home-cooked meals after long days of shooting.

The Recipes

• Marie's Lasagna: Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses make this classic dish a crowd-pleaser. The secret ingredient? A dash of love, just like Mom used to say.
• Debra's Chicken Parmesan: Breaded and fried chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese – it's a simple yet satisfying favorite in our household.
• Frank's Meatball Subs: A hearty sandwich filled with juicy meatballs, sautéed onions, and melted provolone cheese on a crusty sub roll. Just like Dad used to make (okay, maybe not exactly, but it sounds good, doesn't it?!)
• Robert's BBQ Ribs: Slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, these ribs are the perfect treat for a family gathering or a casual Sunday afternoon.

Conclusion

Behind every delicious dish served at the Barone household is a story of love, tradition, and family. From Mom Marie's masterpieces to Debra's delightful creations, our kitchen has always been a place where memories are made and laughter is shared. Even with all the craziness that came with filming Everybody Loves Raymond, we never lost sight of what truly matters – the people, the food, and the love that brings us all together.