My husband is really the chef in our house where it is just the two of us (and our two pets). He is a great cook and loves to do it so I guess that has always given me an excuse not to do it, but a couple of years with more time for enjoying being at home, I have discovered how much I enjoy cooking also. We really have a lot of fun cooking together and preparing meals for our friends and family. We have someone over for dinner at least once a week, but most often two to three times a week. I am southern born so I love southern foods and desserts, however, if you were to ask me my favorite food it would definitely be Mexican! Soups, Side Dishes, Pastas, Cakes, Cookies, Cheesecakes, Quick Breads; basically all desserts... I have a huge sweet tooth! I love discovering and making new recipes. My late great "Granny" was a wonderful southern cook. I loved going "home" to Danville to spend time with her, as she always made sure she asked me what I wanted to eat when I got there and I always knew where I could find a good home cooked meal. I will always miss her, but feel so close to her now when I'm in my own kitchen. Also growing up, the Holidays were always "special". They were full of great food, family and friends and because we had a large family there was always a lot of laughter. In fact, it is still this way now. It has also been wonderful adding the addition of my husbands family and being apart of their traditions as well, like Christmas breakfast at their house every year and a special birthday dinner for each family members birthday. I think when my Mom called to say that she would rather have us make her dinner (and it wasn't for sentimental reasons)rather than go to any restaurant that she chose was the greatest compliment! The first time that I actually made meringue I made peppermint. Well the meringue turned out beautifully, however, the mint extract that I added (on top of the peppermint pieces was so strong my husband says "it took your breath away". He was right and I still laugh about this one!