I am a single mother of three, so I am always looking for cheap, quick meal ideas for my little family. I am known as Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart around the holidays by the people in my life because of my creativeness and love for cooking. I have been cooking and baking on my own for 11 or more years so I know a little bit when in the kitchen. I like making things from scratch more than convenience food-in-a-box because its healthier, I know what is going into it, and I can change it up to suit my tastes. I used to be big into baking. My specialty was cheesecake. I would make all kinds of cheesecakes, but my favorite was the marbled pumpkin cheesecake. I found the recipe in an old Taste of Home magazine and made it many, many times. I stopped baking as much because I gained a lot of weight and developed health problems. So now I am more of a health nut and try to alter recipes to make them more wholesome and healthful. I like using whole wheat flour and organic ingredients when I can. I have done away with shortening and sometimes use org. coconut oil in its place. Using all-natural ingredients is important to me. I love Christmas time. It is my favorite time of year, because I have designated that time for my baking. I love making cookies, cakes, and pies to give away as gifts. And the kids enjoy getting in there and helping as well. I would have to say, my first time cooking Thanksgiving dinner was a huge triumph for me. I was cooking for twenty or so people and I was only 19 yrs old. I did it all myself and everything but the gravy turned out perfect. I remember not being able to get the gravy to thicken. Everyone raved about how moist the turkey was. I took my mothers advice and injected it with butter and basted often. I have never made it any other way. Thanks mom! I have had many cooking tragedies and still do every so often. I cant really think of one that stands out above the rest. But without those mistakes I wouldnt be the great cook I am today.