I've always been a creative cook - I cook by smell, like the Rat in Ratatouille! I have been single most of my life and have no kids, though, so I've basically eaten like a college student (lots of burritos and stir fry) and haven't done menu planning (except for hosting Christmases and Thanksgiving). I'm trying to be a better day to day cook, learning to make lots of traditional dishes that every mom knows how to make but I've never made. I'm also learning to use a crock pot. I'm trying to make healthier meals - lower in fat, cholesterol, sodium, calories, but not lower in flavor! I joke that when I cook, it's always a special occasion, since I don't do it that often - ha. But when I do cook, it's usually pretty darn good - now if I could just get a little more consistency. Burritos and Stir Fry! Or things on the grill, since my husband does the actual cooking part, and I just get to do the creative parts, like coming up with a marinade and tasty side dishes. I love Mexican food best, and love cooking up tasty dishes with cilantro and chiles and lime juice. My mom made the best apple pie, fried chicken, pot roast, vegetable beef soup, pinto beans - she was a country cook, but I never learned! I made my first pot roast only recently, in a crock pot. Last night - salmon in my own special marinade, the night before, chicken enchiladas, and all the new things I've been trying lately!! Every time I make something good, my husband says I should open a restaurant - ha! My husband can't think of any, so I guess that's good!!! Ha.