I grew up around food. My Irish grandmother was an amazing cook, and my Italian mother was as well. I had a lot to live up to, and have been working on that for years now. I think I can hold my own. ;) At least my husband thinks so. I love to cook when I'm not feeling rushed. When I don't have to work, I love preparing meals. It doesn't matter what it is. The more homemade, the better. Right now I really love making homemade breads. I also LOVE planning and cooking for large parties. Baking for the holidays. Nothing in particular, I've been creating my own traditions for the holidays. I have a few recipes that are must haves each holiday season, and I have been asked more than once to bake treats for money during the holidays. I think baking breads from scratch has got to be the most gratifying to me. They look so beautiful and taste so good! If you ask my husband, he will tell you there were only a few times I've ever made something he didn't like. And we've been together for 13 years. Nothing outrageous, just a few learning experiences along the way.