2 years learning in professional restaurants taught me I can't hack working in a restaurant. My family and friends have benefited greatly as a result. pigs and chickens right now. never was able to bake breads... Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles cookbook. Rick Bayless' Everyday Mexican cookbook. simple southern italian. classic american. a little more midwestern creeping into my repertoire. beouf bourginion. roast chicken. BBQ pork loin. chili. losing my dad's aunt before she could write down her recipe for fried dough. losing my mom's dad before he could write down his recipe for sausage stuffing for turkey.