My husband is really the chef in our late twenties/early thirties household where it is just the two of us (and our two pets). He is a great cook and loves to so I guess gave me an excuse not to. After a couple of years with more time for enjoying being at home, I have discovered how much I enjoy cooking also. Now, I'm more than the "greatest sous chef" (according to DH). We really have a lot of fun cooking together and preparing meals for our friends and family. Our interest has become even more expansive since he is unable to tolerate gluten. We have someone over for dinner at least once a week, but most often two to three times a week. It's been a challenge adjusting almost 'everything' to be gluten free, but it's also been very rewarding also. 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 to make me feel at home and she ALWAYS asked me what I wanted to eat when I got there. 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 his parents 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 of her choice 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! I can make an awesome breath mint though :D