Born and raised in southern California,wouldn't live anywhere else,except maybe Hawaii. I love desserts, pasta, anything homemade I don't use store bought sauces or pre-mixed,pre-packaged anything. Try to always go organic,and go to the Farmers Market every week I am a vegetarian,living with a carnivore so it's tricky. I usually end up making seperate meals. One of the reasons, I love this site. I think my lasagna is a family tradition it takes all day but worth it. I am still trying to perfect a chocolate souffle. Flourless chocolate cake I've made it twice with horrible results. On the lookout for amazing chocolate chip cookies mine never turn out that great. I cannot master the slowcooker I received for christmas. My rice is always mushy.