I spent 20 years in the radio and television industries before leaving to teach college. Working in network television in New York, you get to sample all sorts of foods in some of the finest restaurants in the world. Some are tucked away in little alcoves or basements of brownstones in Greenwich Village and throughout the rest of the city. A particular favorite, Ithaka - an excellent Greek restaurant, was on a side street off of 7th Avenue and Bleecker Street, but burned a few years ago; since relocated to East 86th Street... worth a try! Pastas of all types, fish dishes, new cuisines, pies and cakes for contests, and really anything. Summer salads were always a big hit, homemade potato and macaroni in particular. Family reunions were the place to experiment with something different, Jell-o salads, a new take on green bean casseroles, things like that. As my mother and grandmother owned a small home bakery, baking is a big tradition in the family, from crumb (shoo fly) pie to pumpkin custard and, as the family owned an orchard, fresh cherry crumb! Grand prize winner at largest county fair on the east coast, my diabetic/heart healthy sugar free, reduced fat Philadelphia style cheesecake! Rare... usually involves forgetting to turn the heat off! lol