I'm a very experimental cook, but try to follow recipes closely on the first attempt. I have been vegetarian for 6 years and love finding new vegetables to incorporate into the menu. I like to try making ethnic foods, from Chinese to Polish, Lebanese, Mexican, Spanish, you name it. I have been living in Finland for the last year and have also tried many Finnish specialties. In the last year I have discovered a new love for baking! I consider it an art that takes a lot of practice to master! ethnic foods, soups (always fun to experiment!), vegetarian, breads, bagels, desserts.. My large extended family on my mom's Polish side always gets together at my granparents' for birthdays and holidays. My bushi's dumplings and chocolate pound cake are devine! My dad's side of the family makes very wholesome American food, fresh baked bread at every meal and leaves the skins on the mashed potatoes. Also they often serve their home grown kale with garlic butter. mmmm.. Bagels! It's hard to find an authentic bagel in Finland, so I have tried to make my own. After many failed attempts and different recipes, I've got it! (See 'bread machine bagels'- I did not use a bread machine). Also making Chinese spring rolls, since the dough can be tricky. Many of the first things I baked. Also the puff pastry. It is really important that the layers of dough don't break between the layers of butter.