I love to cook. It's so relaxing to get caught up in a recipe and really think about the ingredients and prep of a dish. I really enjoy trying new recipes and seeing if I can improve them to suit my taste. I absolutely love having my family around when cooking. One may do the chopping, another the sauteing, etc., and through this, we really all bond and connect to our family's heritage . I received my biggest compliments recently from my big family when I cooked for them after the passing of a beloved uncle. It helped me cope and made me feel good that I was taking care of them. I think I opened a few eyes, too! Baking a Blackberry Pie that just would not cooperate!