I have always loved to experiment in the kitchen. I started "helping out" as soon as I could reach the counter top sitting on a bar stool. My mother was the best cook in the world, and she taught me everything I know, I set out to improve and perfect. When my now 21 yr old son was 3, I set him on a bar stool and started a tradition. My mom is no longer able to cook, I miss her cooking! She always asks "Where did you learn to cook so good?" I simply say "My mom!" I love to make home-made speghetti sauce. Smothered steak, Asperagus souffle and of course, Home-made Southern biscuits and BACON gravy. I also love to bake, cakes, pies, cookies, everything!! The holidays seem to bring out most family tradition. Thanksgiving at our home consists of 2 {20 pound} turkeys, 4 types of potato dishes, bean casserole etc. The stuffing is a key item, one bird is stuffed, then there is the moist stuffing with the apples, celery and onion, then there is the extra crisp stuffing with celery, onion, apple, walnut and pecan baked on a cookie sheet. Dinner would not be complete without the "giblet gravy" and of course the home made whole berry cranberry sauce. Mastering my moms notorious "Date Nut Loaf" Every Christmas she would make up countless batches of the loaf and package it up for everyone, family, friends and co-workers, there was never enough. Every loaf perfection distinct pieces of date and slices of whole pecan, and perfect consistency. I never thought I would get it down, but now one would never know the difference between hers and mine not by sight or taste. Corned beef brisket. I was so thrilled to have the whole family out to my new townhouse. I guess I never paid attention to my mom when she made it..Who knew the meat and spices needed to be boiled before going into the oven to bake it. The rest of the meal was no better, it was a disaster! I cried seems like forever, mom told me no body would remember, promised to teach me how to do it right, then gathered everbody up and we went out to eat. MOM"S TREAT