I grew up in kitchens--my parents own and operate a steakhouse in rural Nebraska. Ironic, then, that I became a vegetarian in 2002! I pride myself, however, in being able to come up with vegetarian dishes that satisfy my non-vegetarian friends and family. I love to garden and enjoy using home-grown produce, including herbs, in my cooking. Nothing beats spaghetti sauce made with vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil! One of my specialties is pizza. Yes, I make my own dough from scratch! I also love using my Zojirushi bread machine to do the "dirty work" of mixing and kneading dough for all kinds of goodies--bread, calzones, focaccia, cinnamon rolls, and the like. Old-fashioned Midwestern comfort foods--meatloaf, mashed potatoes, goulash, macaroni & cheese, etc.--are a staple in the family in which I grew up. I still enjoy these foods, but have updated them to be meatless while still retaining flavor and texture. I make a gorgeous stuffed, braided bread. It's a beautiful presentation and it looks so complex, but it's really a cinch. :) I made breakfast for visiting in-laws, and the scrambled eggs came out... green! How embarrassing!