I'm a 24 year old army wife, and mother of a 2 year old son. I have been cooking since I was about 10 or 11. Two of my Grandparents owned their own restaurants for 25-50 years. Every great memory I have growing up I could probably tell you what we ate that day. Food is my obsession, and my love for it has only grown since I have gotten older. I love cooking very difficult recipes to challenge myself. Nothing gives me more joy than to see people enjoy something I made. I typically stick to Southern Cuisine, and since I FINALLY got a stand mixer I am baking all the time. My favorite tv chefs are Paula Deen and Alton Brown. Also I thought I might add a tip for anyone who is not southern but is invited into a southern home. Never ever ever refuse any food that they offer you. Even if you already ate, doesn't matter. My husband is from Ohio, and his family really doesn't understand this concept. They think that it's more polite not to put you throught the trouble. Don't do it right now my favorites are breads and cookies My family makes every holiday more about the food than the actual holiday. There is a very special dinner assigned to each one. Even the holidays that alot of people forget about like Labor Day. My most recent triumph was some chicken and dumplins I made. I used the recipe from Paula Deen. I took 4 hours to make. It was worth every minute. After my first bite, I was immediately taken back to when I was about 12 years old watching my Great-Grandma make it. She just passed away about a month ago, and I kind of got emotional eating it. I think she would have been very proud of my dish. When I was 13 I was about to fry some spring rolls my Mom's friend made for us from scratch. I heated up the oil, got distracted by the tv, and then flames started engulf my Mom's microwave. My very calm neighbor came and put out the fire. Pretty embarrasing.