My dad taught me how to cook, mostly over the telephone as we were separated by a long distance. I have traveled to many places, including 22 states where I have sampled the best of each state, thanks to the suggestions of the Lonely Planet guidebooks! I lived in Guam for a year and traveled to Bali, Australia and Japan, tasting my way through all. My tried and true method is to take a basic recipe and turn it into something different and amazing. I bought a fondue pot this year and have been learning the art of fondue. I love to make appetizers for parties that no one has ever tasted before. My specialties are lasagna, chili, layered mexican dip, breakfast bakes, chick pea pasta salad, Irish potato soup and enchilada soup. Those are my most requested items. Cooking all day for the holidays with the whole family helping and making their signature dish. Tamale making at Christmas time (2008 was our second year and it will continue!) The new tamale last year was black olives, chicken and cheese. My coworkers loved them! The first time I realized that I could cook without a recipe! When I tried to make chili when I moved out on my own for the first time. I really thought ketchup and taco sauce was what I was supposed to use as a base...