I'm a succulent wild woman often disguised as a happy house wife. I'm a substitute teacher (upper elementary) Mother of three great adults and wife of Tim, my best friend. I love cooking for my family and friends almost as well as I like eating, drinking and making merry. ummmm, Middle Eastern and Asian are my favorite. my sister's Mother-in-law was from Syria and she turned me on to stuffed grapeleaves, tabbouleh, mujaddra, and kibbie. Stirfrying and the flavors of Japanese and Chinese cuisine are weekly events, and Mexican food is also a favorite. Oh let's see... comfort foods and soups allow me to survive the cold winters and summer time is grilling heaven! My paternal grandmother and my mom are excellent cooks who shared the love of family gatherings made more special with food. Our extended family will use any excuse to party. some favorites are a progressive dinner before Christmas to show off cooking and decorations, yearly fishing contests that end in a fish fry, canoe trips that showcase exotic appetizers and fancy cocktails, Chinese New Year Parties, and of course family dinners!