Originally an Air Force Brat, I moved 6 times before adulthood which prepared me well to be a full time parent supporting hubby's career through 6 more moves. Now I'm pretty solidly a mid-westerner - good people, good values, good cookin'.
My favorite things to cook
To quote my mother... "I like to cook for people who like to eat." My best recipe is my apple pie (100% from scratch). I like trying new recipes on guests.
My favorite family cooking traditions
I'm fortunate enough to own two family recipe books put together by extended relatives for family reunions. I've found my 'niche' using those, my sister's church cookbook, and a supermarket (Ukrop's) cookbook for my standards. Then I test out new recipes from allrecipes.com and Taste of Home magazine.
My cooking triumphs
My friends and family know I'm over-the-top in making lists and menus. I have Excel spreadsheets of week or weekend meal plans for visitors and holidays, including a shopping list tab and a do-ahead list. I think I've made a name for myself in that my guests know they'll eat well and enjoy homemade breads.
My cooking tragedies
Memorable moments:
1. My mother-in-law will never forget my homemade ice cream. Turns out she can't digest rich foods.
2. My son will never forgive me for serving quiche. (it was fine - he just really hated it)
3. My husband (to-be at the time) didn't exactly enjoy my cheese fondue. Turns out not only did he desire a 'real' protein (like red meat), but he also turned out to be lactose intolerant.
4. Although a virus is probably to blame, my family will never let me make "Bubble and Squeek" again. Hey, sometimes it's the timing not the meal!