I'm the director of a private school. I work long hours. The way i like to wind down is in the kitchen. I was always sitting on the counter as a little girl, watching my mother work her magic in the kitchen. Now I see that in my youngest daughter. First and foremost would have to be mexican food. From enchiladas to carne guisada. I also love to grill. But my passion lies within baking. Brownies, cakes, pies and cookies. Making tamales for Christmas has got to be my favorite family cooking tradition. I feel triumphant every time my family asks for seconds. The very first time I cooked a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, i forgot to remove the bag containing the neck, liver and gizzards. My dad saved me the embarrasment by removing it before any one else could see it.