I can't remember a time in my life where I wasn't cooking. I come from an old fashioned New England family where everything is from scratch. I spent several years in the military traveling the world and picking up unique food loves and have worked in kitchens too. My boyfriend constantly worries about his waistband. I love Irish and Italian food although for the most part there is no particular style or brand to what I cook. It all depends on what is on hand and seems right at the time, yeah some combos don't happen twice, but you can't be afraid to mix it up in the kitchen dinner just might surprise you. I have pictures of all the kids in my family sitting on the kitchen counter in diapers "helping" Mom cook, usually eating more than helping but... My sibs are all amazing cooks, our parties usually never leave the kitchen. My sister used to complain about my Grandmothers oven until I had enough and tried soufflés for the first time in it. When so many things could go wrong I can't believe they were great. Microwave popcorn, I still manage to burn it, I it on fire once... not kidding!