I'm 28, and some of my favorite childhood memories are of helping my mother in the kitchen. She started my brother and I on the cooking path as early as she could, with the "here, stir this" school of helping. By the time I was 9, I was sharing dinner duties with my brother. By the time I hit high school, I was cooking for the family every other night! I've always been fascinated with how to make things from scratch; our meals had to be made in 30 minutes or less when I was growing up, so I had to cut corners. Now, I'm looking to learn all the basics; to really get into the art of cooking! I love cookies in all their infinite variety, and I'm a huge fan of stir-fry. My favorite entree to make is "Meal in a Loaf", which has never failed to please even the pickiest eaters! I grew up helping my mother in the kitchen; on both sides of my family, cooking has always been a convivial occasion! My favorite family tradition is definitely the holiday potluck: it's the perfect time of year to try out any new recipes, and to bring in the tried-and-true favorites everyone loves! My mother and her friends would also have themed potluck nights, with each guest bringing a dish corresponding to a certain theme: traditional German dishes, Mexican entrees, Mediterranean nights. It's something I hope to do with my friends, now that we're all at that age when cooking becomes an adventure! I have learned how to make biscotti! I had no idea it was so easy...Next up: pie crusts from scratch. Ohhh, don't get me started on bread baking. The biggest tragedy is the kitchen I work with right now, but that will be changing once we move in August!