I learned to cook feeding a large family (at least 9 people for one meal) on the farm. Cooked my first meal alone at age 11. I loved to bake desserts the most, unfortunately now that is a less viable option since my husband and children now eat healthier than the way I learned to cook. I still love the good old fashioned cooking: roast, potatoes, gravy, etc. The cooking I learned to do was quite bland compared to what I am doing now. Stil have much to learn but enjoy using different ingredients, herbs, and spice. Luckily for me - my husband will eat anything! Whole grain rice dishes, healthy salads, lentil stew! Decorated sugar cookies, pumpkin and applie pies, still like a good roast beef, carrots, and potatoes. Barbecued Country Style Ribs I became known for in my family of origin since we fixed those and hosted family for many July 4ths from 1970 through 1982. I used a homemade barbecue sauce from my husband's favorite aunt. The best country style barbecued pork ribs. Several wedding cakes - tasted great and looked beautiful, and didn't fall over. Also, I can make potatoe salad as good as my mother's, and hers is the best. She has had people eat her potatoe salad who usually don't like potatoe salad or at least were quite picky about their potatoe salad. Strata - texture was too tough. Ham and bean soup! I cannot make that dish. My mother-in-law's is the best, my husband enjoys hers but the few times I have tried to make it, he tolerates mine just so he has food to eat.