I am a busy mom of seven. (my oldest just turned 23 and I just gave birth to my youngest a few days before christmas) I believe food brings us together and is a vital part of our social lives not to mention our heritage. I cherish the recipies handed down to me. Especially from my Grammie who I miss very much. I have been a baker since I could hold a spoon. Grew up on a stool in the kitchen with mom. As a teen I began cooking vegetarian and it opened up a whole new world of tastes and ideas. My tastes are like the horse of many colors. Changing as I soak up food from other cultures. It all has to be done from scratch. I am starting to explore Thai food, Indian food and southern comfort foods. I do cook at least 22 dinners every month for my husband and kids so many of my meals are family friendly. However, I have a 'hunger' to spice up my food and enjoy sharing new cultures/foods with the kids. A great way to teach Geography too. Last year, I went 8 months without a stove/range top to cook on. When it came time to cook a Turkey...the microwave or crockpot was not going to cut it. I remembered my Grammie told me about one of her Thanksgiving memories. Her mother got a wopper of a Turkey...huge. Prepared it like always in the wee morning hours. She was beside herself when she found it would not fit in the oven. My cool headed great- grandfather said not to worry. We will have a wonderful Turkey. He woke the children and instructed them to gather all the rocks they could that where the size of their heads. Meanwhile, he dug a pit in the ground. Lined it with the rocks and with firewood started a fire in the pit.When it died down to hot coals he wrapped the Turkey with burlap many times over and placed it in the coals arranging the rocks evenly around it. Then proceeded place dirt on top. It was the best Turkey they ever had. This is our new tradition, we have a pit fire the night before, Huntington beach style. To allow myself to try and fail without feeling like I failed. I couldn't even eat some of the meals I have cooked over the years. I enjoy learning about other cultures, especially those from history and the smells and tastes of the food that is a part of them. I never gave up cooking and trying new things. Some of my best dishes are Tamales, homemade refried beans & mexican rice, chicken pot pie, breaded fried chicken breasts, Porcupine Meatballs, Thai shrimp, Shrimp scampi, Italian dishes with fresh basil and tomatoes, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Beef Stew, and my basic stir fry sauce that can be tweeked for any Asian stir-fry, my favs are Greek dishes with pita and sour yogurt on the side. Lazagna. Tried and tried over the years, my son made it once for dinner which was heavenly. I no longer THINK of trying that one again. Dumplings I am still trying to get right. Certain dishes must simply belong to others. I make a lousy steak. I don't eat much meat and don't favor it like some so steak is NOT my forte.