I am a self-taught, adventurous cook. My mother hated to cook or bake( she made about 10 different meals), so I took full reign in the kitchen in my early teen years. She'd let me cook to my heart's content and she'd do the dishes. It was a win-win at our house! Chicken Paprikash, BBQ Chicken, soups and chowders and puff pastry. Never DOUBLE a Lemon Meringue Pie recipe unless you are serving the pie with a straw instead of a fork!