I grew up learning how to cook from my mom and dad. They were both excellent cooks and each had their own unique way of preparing dishes. I love my mom's mashed potatoes and my dad's pancakes. I also have 2 younger sisters. The oldest works for the school district as a baker and my youngest sister loves making homemade cakes for everyone's birthday. Mexican and Italian. I can't fry anything to save my life. When all five of us got together in the kitchen to make a 5 gallon pot of homemade beef stew. We all had our specific tasks at the cutting boards. I haven't triumphed yet, but I would love to master my mom's milk gravy. I can make a killer meatloaf. Chicken fried steak. One word: cardboard.