I cook because I enjoy it. It makes me feel good inside. My Mom was and still is my greatest influence. When friends and family members tell me "this tastes just like Mom's" I know I did a good job. My favorite things to cook are candies, desserts and jellies and butters. My favorite cooking tradition would have to be at Christmas time. I dive into all my candy recipes and I make lots of jellies and butters to pass out as Christmas gifts. My Husband is right by my side every step of the way. He's a big help. My cooking triumph was the first Thanksgiving that my stuffing came out tasting just like Mom's!!! Do I have to tell?!?!? LOL This would be when I was 10. My Mom went into the hospital for emergency surgery and I had to make dinner for my Dad, 6 brothers and 1 sister. My noodles came out like glue. They could be picked up in one clump with a fork. That was 30 years ago and I'm reminded of it on a regular basis even now. Hehehe !!!