I'm a young mother, with a limited income, so I have to create things with very little to work with. My specialty lies in my creative use of spices...I can make potatoes, pasta, and chicken everyday...and still make each meal exciting. I love to cook everything...but I especially love creating my own pasta sauce and coming up with new and exciting ways to cook chicken...which is a staple in my house. I have two sides of my family as influences. My mom's side worked with convenience, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness...while my Dad's side was both traditional Italian cooking, and, depending on the family member...completely spontaneous and adventurous with their cooking. In any situation, the food was consistently delicious, and I learned so much that I can't pick just one tradition. Well...yeah I can...I loved the fact that no matter whose house I was in, I was always the designated "taste tester"! Every time I make something that has my two chef friends raving...lol. I'll put it this way...always...ALWAYS...pay attention to the amount of salt you put in...lol. That...and watch how hot your oil gets for stove top deep frying...blackened yet uncooked chicken isn't appetizing.