I burned my first cookbook on a stove burner over 40 years ago (I still have it) and have been cooking ever since. My two daughters went through vegetarian stages in their teens and I was challenged to come up with recipes that my husband would like and that they would eat. I love cooking. I'd rather cook than clean the house - something that does present a problem from time to time - but we've had great times at the dinner and breakfast table over the years. I've cooked everything from Beef Wellington and Salmon Mousse to cheese crackers, but love baking the best. Of Course Christmas - my grandaughter and I make the cookies - some recipes I've been making for almost 40 years. Entertaining is a big part of my personality and now that I'm retired, love making dinners for our friends - love to challenge their taste buds with new and different flavors. I also love making preserves and have some of the best recipes that even beginner's can cook easily and look so professional I made a 3 egg cake without the eggs once. Wow was it bad!!