I am the second oldest of 7 children and the oldest daughter in the family, so I grew up helping my mom feed my dad, brothers and sisters. (Nothing too fancy mind you and not too adventurous.) As an adult, however, I enjoy trying new recipes, new and different vegetables and side dishes, and I pay careful attention to presentation. I feel cooking is an art and a meditation. I have been particularly inspired in the last few years to bring my talent and fondness to explore in the kitchen to new levels. Salads to bring on picnics in the park, gourmet entrees, interesting vegetable dishes, and dessert cakes. Making Grilled Cheese for the masses (I come from a big family) on Sunday afternoons. Boeuf Bourguignon; Italian Wedding Cake; my own recipes for homemade Waldorf Chicken Salad, Penn-Dutch Potato Salad, & a Greek Pasta & Shrimp Salad; Crab & Shrimp Bisque; Victoria Sponge Cake; Carrot Cake; recently, a pasta dish with olives, pico de gallo, white wine, asiago cheese, and a few other left overs that tasted splendid - if I do say so myself;-); and generally impressing my chef friend with my adventurous attempts in the kitchen. Recently spilled Chocolate Cake Batter all over my new oven ... lol ... but managed to get it cleaned up.