If I had my way I would grow, pick, cook, and preserve all my own food... that is, of course, if there were an extra 24 hours in each day! I love to bake, although don't do it nearly as much as I would like. I also like to make jams and jellys. It's so rewarding seeing a cupboard of preserves and be able to give them to friends and family as presents. I love to cook just about anything (vegetarian that is) for my guests to enjoy! I have a few... When I was growing up, every holiday season, my family and I would have a "hot dog and smores roast" in our living room fireplace. It always felt so special! I also remember my great-grandma who lived next door making big batches of cookies and laying them out on cooling wracks all over the kitchen under big muslin dish towls. She passed her love of sharing good food with loved ones, baking, and preserving on to me! I can't think of one particular one right now. Any time people enjoy what I cook, I'm happy! Having "foodie" friends over for dinner one summer night, I planned on impressing them with a delicious mediteranian lentil and rice dish I have perfected. Unfortunately, sitting outside on the deck visiting, I got distracted and failed to check on my stewing pot. When I smelled burnt rice and lentils, I knew something was wrong! I ran in and found the bottom 1/8" of the food burnt to the pot! I tried to salvage the rest of the pot and my lovely friends were gracious enough to eat the smokey tasting dish. Bless them. :)