I was told by my father when I was 7 that if you can read then you can cook, and I haven't stopped either since. I read cook books like others read novels and have an extensive collection of cookbooks (about 150) that continues to grow. However, I rarely follow a recipes for day to day cooking, but I am always looking for good base recipes and suggestions.My goal in life is to make a meal that my husband will ask for again (he is not a foodie and when asked what he wants for dinner his answer is anything but chicken...not that I can't cook it, he just does not like it) I'll try anything once....Both food and life are ment to be an adventure. cookies with my my and sister at the Holidays. Fondue on New Years Day. making fresh Horseradish with my dad. Any time my dad and I can get in the kitchen together and create. Anytime I get a compliment,I consider it a triumph. Things don;t always turned out as planned but only you know that, as long as your audience is happy and satisfied then I am happy. There are always tradgies in the kitchen.....it is being able to move past them and understand that not everything you make can be a hit.