I work in the food business and am exposed to lots of wonderful local foods from chefs and cooks from around the country. I love casual no fuss cooking with unique flavors. Cupcakes are my favorite, but I also enjoy throwing together a no recipe soup. I grew up surrounded by special occasion cakes. My mother had a small wedding cake business and I loved staying up way past my bed-time baking. I make steller tamales and rellenos. I made a cioppino that the dog wouldn't even eat.