I am a professional graphic designer but I love all things creative. New recipes of any kind are my favorite. I really love dips and portable dishes I can share with friends and co-workers. I like to try new things all the time, so I wouldn't say I follow a lot of tradition. Every year I host a soup and wine party for Halloween. Lots of appetizers and desserts, plus 5 soups and tons of wine. I get a lot of help for this one though. I once cooked a cake for 4.5 hours. I forgot about it. Needless to say, the pan had to be thrown away because the cake petrified to it.