I have enjoyed cooking for many years. My favorite dishes are family favorites, but I love to find and try new recipes. I am willing to try most anything that sounds good, but have spent hours on some recipes that were in no way worth it... My favortie dishes are dinner foods. I am not into baking only because I and my family do not need the calories. Because we are a step family, cooking traditions have taken on heightened importance. Also, because our family members live all over the country, we zero in on certain favorites when we get together. Both of my step-daughters are great cooks; one loves to try new recipes like I do and the other makes wonderful "earthy" dishes. I just generally have a knack for good timing and proper seasoning without tasting (it ruins the delight of the meal for me!). As a side note, I won the Betty Crocker Award when a senior in high school ('70). Try as I might, I was unable to give it back and had to accept the award at graduation! I was totally embarrassed... When I was a newlywed I made baking powder biscuits with baking soda--and I stuffed a chicken with my Mom's dressing recipe minus the water!