I have always been a shy cook, anxious to please, but surrounded by sisters who were totally at home in the kitchen. In my empty nest years, I have become more adventurous, and I am enjoying cooking for the first time in years. Rave reviews keep me encouraged. FRESH things, whole foods, sweet and savory. I also love to bake cookies, pies and breads, totally fattening stuff! Scandinavian origins, but reared in Texas, so Mexican and Texas style cooking feels like home, too. With the exception of OKRA, I have never met a veggie I did not like. Alfredo sauce, grilled chicken salad, cinnamon rolls, barbecued chicken Meatloaf confuses me, disappoints my guests, and generally enrages me. Sometimes my pecan pie is runny, and sometimes it has a burnt taste. YUCK!