I started really cooking when was around 12 years old.I was making entire meals at this age.My mother cooked from scratch.She used very few store bought canned,boxed,or frozen items.We always had a garden and we would can and freeze our veggies.I still try to grow a few veggies each year,mostly tomatoes,cucubers and squash.The rest are either canned or frozen at the grocery store or when in season at a local fruit and veggie stand or when I am in the area,at the farnmers market.I could spend hours at the farmers market.I still cook mostly from scratch. I am 48,married,mother of 2 grown children and 3 grown step children,1 loving dog child,11 step grandchildren,I'm just waiting for the day I have my own grandchildren.I love my big family very much,I love God,and I love my country. I love to cook for my big family.Holiday dinners,desserts and just everyday meals. I love making candy at Christmas. Cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal for 20+ people. Burning smoked suasage on the grill.