I am semi-retired, real estate agent (inactive), and substitute teacher. I like to cook, but tend to eat out a lot since my kids are on their own. I like to keep it simple, but occasionally try something gourmet. I like to make something special for breakfast, like real hash-brown potatoes or potato pancakes. I also like to make a good salad with lots of stuff in it. I make candy around the holidays. Soups and stews are also favorites. My mom wasn't much of a cook, so most of what I know, I taught myself. I picked up a lot of cooking ideas and techniques from my mother-in-law and other relatives. As a child I developed a taste for Russian/Polish dishes like cabbage roles, potatoe kugel, poppy seed bread etc. I also like Swedish/Scandinavian cooking.