Retired social worker and clergy woman! I love to cook and bake, and help with my grandchildren who are all adopted. I have two grown up children and twins, 17, still at home and in school. I am active in cooking for all. I love to cook for church,too. Baking is something I could do everyday and anything chocolate! My family loves cookies. Chocolate cookies, bread, soups, braising,chicken dishes, sugar free, low fat, cakes, salads. Christmas cooking starts after Thanksgiving. We love lemon merangue pie, roasts, dinner rolls, cranberry dishes, and cakes. My mother died in 2007 and I am trying to work on some of her traditions so my family won't lose them. She was a Southern cook who loved to fix special things for her family. WE also love California cuisine. My first Thanksgiving without my mom, cried most of the time, but was proud of it at the end. I have been taking two aspirins with every pie crust for years! It's part of my recipe now.