I remember that mother used to cook everything fresh. She didn't teach me how to cook, but maybe because I showed no interest. Now I want to produce some of the New England and fresh home made food now that I am alone. I love cats and dogs, especially my chihuahua Lilly. Soon I will be with my daughter and I want to do my best cooking healthy food for her and her husband. I like slow cooking, pressure cooking, roasting in the oven or bakin casseroles. My faverite meat is Pork, Turkey, Chicken and I love Prime/US Choice beef. We used to go to Mom and Dad's house for every occation = Birthdays and Hollidays and it always had Wonder home cooked food. My Sister and I tried to help (with her instructions). My Mom was a wonderful self taught cook. She was the oldest of 12 children. Every time I cook for my friends, I feel wonderful when they really like what I made. They always ask for left overs. I have made plenty over the years. Lately my mistakes are with not reading the ingrediants carefully. I have oversalted using regular salt. I use only sea salt or Kosher now. The other one is using Nutrasweet sugar blend in baking. I used the same measurement as regular sugar when I should have used half as much. That's what I get for not knowing what I'm using. Wow, Sweeeet!! I wish I knew how to make a easy, really good corn bread.