I'm a 22-year-old university student living and attending school in St. Catharines, Ontario. I've been cooking pretty much my entire life, and it remains one of my favourite hobbies. When I was younger, baking was my main interest (what kid doesn't love making cookies and cakes?), but in my teens I branched out into making other dishes. I've had the privilege of learning techniques and tricks from several professional chefs, as well as all the knowledge gained from having a family that cooks. Making jams, relishes and preserves. Most of my canning tools were inherited from my maternal grandmother, who was still making jam for her jam cookies into her late 70s. I made jelly for the first time in my life last fall, and my very first attempt came out perfectly. I'd made jams, relishes and other preserves before, but this was my first go at a true, clear jelly. It was appreciated all around when I tucked jars into everyone's Christmas gifts! I destroyed an entire batch of shortbread last Christmas because I didn't whip the butter long enough ... the cookies separated in the oven and came out floating in melted butter!