My home is called "Sanctuary" because it is a safe place for me and mine to relax. We enjoy wonderful food and drink and share our thoughts and experiences of the day as we watch the sunset from our pergola. I LOVE my kitchen. It is my favorite room in my house. As I prepare meals I watch a neighbors horses kick it up in the pasture that adjoins our land. I see countless birds and butterflies enjoying my gardens. My kitchen is a natural gathering place for all. I love to surprise family and friends with new and delicious recipes. I have lately been enjoying a very old French cookbook I picked up at a rummage sale. My herb garden is a mainstay of my cooking. Before dinner, I fill a basket with fresh thyme, rosemary, basil, chives, lemon balm and whatever smells heavenly. The herbs I don't use in cooking garnish the plates! My ethnic traditions include Northern Italian, Hungarian, French and Polish cuisine. Imagine delicious pierogis,the best marinara you've EVER eaten, a fresh baguette and an amazing homemade sausage from Grandpa's family recipe! Christmas dinner for 25+ is always great fun at my home. Of course, I have to provide the time-tested favorites but I do love to throw in a few new recipes to surprise everyone. My lemon balm sorbet was a big hit last year. I served it between courses but had to serve it again for Aunt Isabella who wanted it as her dessert. I roasted my first turkey in a very old stove in my first flat. The stove's thermostat was broken and the turkey was not done 12 hours later. Friends were coming over for dinner. We dined out that night!