Ma's Cookbook: Her Language of Love is Food. You see, Pauline Warkenthien (aka Ma) has never met a stranger in her life and to know her is to love her. She will always love you back in HER language of love: food. This book is to honor a great wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend who also happens to be a world-class cook specializing in Italian cuisine. I hope you are hungry as this book will allow you learn how to cook the true Italian way through original family recipes.