I live in Jerusalem,Israel and feel grateful everyday to be here! I was married in early 2006 and we have a beautiful baby boy who keeps me busy:) As jews,We make shabbat meals every week and it gives me a real outlet for my creative cooking. I seldom stick to the traditional(although that's also fun to perfect and tweak with)Instead of the traditional chicken and matzo ball soup; I tried chilled roasted tomato basil soup in the hot summer nights..yum. We love having guests and I love treating them to a royal dinner fit for a King. I love to make new and exciting dishes! A bit gourmet,a bit exotic..anything to make my husband go,"YUMMMM". I love making desserts. I find that even if the meal comes out so-so; if the dessert is outstanding-it will leave a lasting impression. I'm originally from Uzbekistan and still enjoy making some of the foods I grew up with. Stuffed peppers, pilaf,Steamed Dumplings with lamb meat, also Borsch,perogie(my grandmother was from Ukraine). I periodically call my mother and have her go exploring in my grandmother's recipe collection.