I learned to cook from my dad (growing up dad did most of the cooking) and grandmother. They both didn't use measurements that often so I don't either unless it's for something that needs to be more precise (like bread). I typically don't have the time to cook anything that takes much time so I'm always looking for quick and healthy meals to try out. Right now I'm trying to move away from overly simplified meals that I made frequently during college (ie. boneless chicken breast w/ random spices grilled w/ no sides). They are good but I think it's time for my idea of what constitutes a dinner to grow up a bit...especially since the same thing can get boring. Anything that tastes great, is at least moderately healthy and is easy to cook. I especially enjoy meals with spinach and/or mushrooms since my husband and I both favor those foods. Every year my grandmother, mother, sister, and I would make holiday cookies based on recipes the family brought over on the ship from Denmark. Even though my grandmother is no longer with us I try to keep the tradition up. This last year I made holiday cookies for everyone in the family without any help and was told they tasted just like my grandmother use to make. Nothing recent sticks out in my mind...but I do tend to try and make what I call concoctions (taking stuff I already have in order to make a meal without a recipe) usually they turn out good but at times I can't eat it. When I was in my pre-teens (at least 10 years ago) a friend and I tried to make gravy and it came out looking like mashed potatoes...yuck. I'm still not that great at making gravy (I think that's why you can buy it premade in a can :) )