I like quick, well-balanced meals that are fairly easy to prepare. I lack the experience, confidence, and creativity needed to "whip" something up from whatever is in the pantry, so for right now I follow recipes religiously. Growing up we always had nice Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house. It's a tradition I hope to carry on one day. Other traditions include pork and saurkraut on New Year's day, having a glass of blackberry wine on Thanksgiving morning while watching the parade, and many others. I make a mean southwestern stuffed pepper, haha. I've had a few tragedies...It's part of the learning process!