I'm a landscape designer (architect) by profession, but my heart is really in my own backyard and my kitchen! I just got married in October '07, so I'm getting used to cooking for a husband, which is nice! I've been using this website as a recipe resource for a few years now, but have finally decided to become a member so I can add in my 2 cents every now and then. I think I could have been a decent pastry chef, if I had decided to pursue that career field... I have unusual patience and interest in spending waaaaaaaay too much time on those tedious dessert dishes. However, I also love creating many colorful, fresh Mexican dishes and experimenting with chicken. My dad's side of the family is Norwegian, and my mom's side is from the island of Malta. I love trying new foods and attempting to cook dishes that come from my family's ethnic backgrounds. I am now also married to a wonderful Ukranian guy... so I get to learn all about Eastern European cuisine! He's also a soup fanatic, so I'm learning soup basics as well. My most interesting meal was probably as a student studying abroad in Sweden... and I (along with my other American friend/roommate) prepared a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for some of our Swedish & German friends/family. It went over very well, once I figured out the Swedish word for "turkey" (my first attempt to buy one, ended in the purchase of a duck!) We had to substitute Sweet Potato Pie for the traditional Pumpkin - because we couldn't find any pumpkin at the grocery - but all together, it was one of the most memorable Thanksgiving's I've ever had! Hmmm... I've had more than my share of these, although I've tried to block them from memory.... most were usually leaving something in the oven for just "a couple more minutes" and getting sidetracked for about twenty!