I learned to cook at a very early age along side some of the best...my Grandma, my Aunt Maggie and my Mom. I grew up eating just good ole plain food and as I got older I discovered the passion I had for cooking. I love to feed people. I guess it's an instant gratification thing, but I thoroughly enjoy the entire process. From the planning, shopping and cooking, I am really in my element. I have worked a a professional cook for the last 4 years and had my own catering business during that time. That is alot of work and this old workhorse doesn't scoot around the kitchen as readily as I once did. I have scaled back on the catering jobs and gotten much pickier. I have way too many cookbooks but I read each and every one of them and am still drawn like a magnet to the cooking magazines (and websites!) I enjoy the big meals, traditional Holiday stuff. I look forward to any Holiday or traditional day as a way to celebrate with food. I cook whatever appeals to me and there isn't really any particular group I fall in. I'm as comfortable with a deep fryer as I am with a wok. I do like alot of Italian driven dishes, also Southern and Mexican. I like big tastes. I think cheese is one of God's blessings. I've gotten into baking these last couple of years. I think I have finally acquired the patience and discipline it takes to be successful with such precise recipes. I tend to embellish with most recipes......... I love my Mom's Potato Salad. I make it just like her and it still doesn't taste the same. There are lots of dishes like that. She is a natural and just kows how to make something taste good. I think that's what a real good cook is...someone who knows what works with what and has an adventurous palate. There's alot to be said for Love being a main ingredient. My fried chicken. Finally. Years of trying to get it just so...finally got there a year or so ago. I am proud of that. My husband is glad beyond words!!!!!!! Also my Yeast Bread and rolls are getting better. Feeding groups of strangers that you hear "M,m,m,m,ming" is a nice reward. The first time I made biscuits (Hockey Pucks), not so good. And I have used too much salt on more than one occasion. Take note beginners....Salt DOES intensify when cooking for a long period of time. This advice from a SEASONED cook!