I was the oldest of 8 children so learned to cook for a crowd early on. I love to have dinner parties and try to "wow" my guests with great recipes that I have found--allrecipe.com really helps! While I normally cook for about 6-8 people at dinner parties, each year I have a holiday party that includes a sit-down gourmet dinner for 2 dozen people. I like to cook items that have a wonderful and unique taste, but don't take all day to make. I love to find new appetizer or dessert recipes that can start or end a meal with a great impression. If I can find a good, low calorie recipe, I feel really lucky. I also love to make a good homemade soup, especially on a cold winter day. My great-grandparents owned a bakery near Stockholm, Sweden. Especially during the Christmas holidays, I make a wonderful butter cookie that was handed down to me from them. I also make cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning that my grandmother always made. I have had my recipes published in the local paper. I won a contest at my local Trader Joe's for a recipe I made from their store items. A cocktail I make was used by a hotel as their "drink of the day." I have self-published a 200+ page cookbook for me and my friends; it is now in its second edition! On more than one occasion, I have gotten in great discussions with my dinner guests and forgotten an appetizer in the broiler until the food is burnt to a black crisp! While I am embarrassed when that happens, my friends are understanding and we have something extra to laugh about during the evening. Remember food is wonderful but don't take your cooking too seriously!