I come from a long line of "off the cuff" kinda cooks. My family usually does not use recipes the way they are written...its all about improv...they let the food speak to them. I think I have inherited that good food judgment ability. Food is passion and comfort...it is family and friends. In short...it is home. I love baking bread in the winter...its very cathartic to have a pot of soup simmering on the stove and a loaf of bread baking in the oven while the wind howls and the snow blows outside. Many different types of Quiche for Easter, Fruited Duck or Goose for Christmas (as well as my families faves Peanut butter fudge and linzer shortbread cookies) Thanksgiving belongs to my mother though...She is such a fantastic cook and no one makes stuffing like her....simple and to the point...but it tastes of love! I think of anything my family hums about while eating is a triumph lol The first time I made duck for Christmas It was undercooked and I kept putting it back in the oven and then pulling it out and cutting into it....by the time it got to the table...it looked like a pack of rabid dogs got to it...I was so mortified!!!!