I'm Dixie's Mom and of course that is Dixie in my avatar. I've been a supporting member since February 2009, thanks to my daughter, and love this web site! My husband and I have been empty nesters for the past eight years and during this time I lost interest in something that I love to do which is - cook. Thanks to allrecipes.com the passion has returned. I have even started baking and quite enjoying it. Not many meals go by where I don't have to take a picture of a recipe I have made from this site. My husband teases me alot about this, but otherwise there are no complaints from him. Since joining AR, I have tried to incorporate at least one or more new dishes a week. Cooking is still my passion, I love to make meals that are not only tasty, but pleasing to the eye once they are on the plate. However I am breaking through into the world of baking and it seems to be less of a torture now. Muffins, breads, and an occasional nobake pie top my list at the moment. Baby steps in that department. There aren't really any family cooking traditions. My dad used to make a fantastic sphagetti and meatballs. I have the recipe, but for some reason it doesn't taste the same. I have encouraged my daughter to start her own as this is something I think I really missed out on. My chili is probably #1, followed by my meatballs. Just ask my kids. Lately it is muffins and breads. Pie crust! I made a pie for a dinner party and then noticed everyone ate the filling and left the crust. Haven't attempted this again, since 1973. Yes, 1973! This is not a typo for the date.