I'm a mid-20's married-no kids girl living in Mid-Missouri. I love to eat, and I love to cook. I try to buy local, fresh, minimally processed foods whenever possible. I love to explore foods from other cultures and really expand my cooking repitoire. However, I will never pass up homemade apple pie and fried chicken, either. I love to cook so much it is really hard to say what is my "favorite." Although, I really enjoy making food that is tasty, beautiful, and at least reasonably healthy. I do not shy away from things like butter, bacon, or cream - I just use them judiciously. I also like to incorporate a lot of color; adds beauty and nutrition. Thanksgiving is a big cooking time for my family. The smell of sage-spiced onions and celery sauteeing is still one of my very favorite smells. My dad is an excellent cook and is fully responsible for developing my love of cooking. He makes the best Rueben sandwiches around! His cheesecake is also to die for. My goal is to make everything he does, someday. I make stellar hummus, wonderful casseroles, and yummy quick breads. I have this green chili chicken casserole that I make that no one can get enough of. Believe it or not, I can not make chocolate chip cookies! They never come out right! I just stick to brownies and cakes; those I can do.