I'm still relatively new to this whole cooking thing, so I guess I still have the curious excitement. I never really cooked until I got married, but I've loved baking since I was 14. A reformed picky eater, I'm still learning how flavors and textures work together. I tend to have a short attention span in the kitchen and don't like to make the same things too frequently. Hubby and I are trying to be earth-friendly, so I make as many things from scratch as possible. I'll bake anything! I have no fear homemade pie crusts, and I scoff at yeast breads. Baking is my favorite part of Christmas or any other holiday. I'm always designated to bring dessert to any family gathering. My mother-in-law gave me a trifle dish for my birthday, and I've found that it is the secret to impressive (but simple!) desserts. Christmas cookies are a big tradition in my family. My dad and I usually bake together; we're a pretty good team. We also have a Sicilian spaghetti sauce recipe that we make for special occasions. Smelling that sauce always takes me back to my grandmother's house. Any time I can get hubby to make an unsolicited comment about dinner is a triumph! I've successfully adapted recipes for spicy vodka sauce and turkey meatloaf that he will actually request. I've also become pretty good at making my own organic chicken stock. Nearly all my attempts at vegetarian cooking have been disasters. The spicy lentil tacos and vegetable soup did not turn out well. But, I've had some success cooking w/ black beans, so maybe there's hope yet.