I've been cooking on and off since I was a child, but most of that was baking or sticking to family standbys for quick meals. I didn't really start expanding my kitchen repertoire until about a year ago. While I'm really good at making one thing at a time and having it turn out fabulous, I'm still working on timing whole meals. I learned to cook mainly from my mom, who used what we call the "dump and stir" method. Basically, this method doesn't use measurements and all ingredients are added "to taste" and on whatever whim siezes the cook at the moment. All of which means that my best meals don't have recipes and I probably will never be able to replicate them. I prefer baking to cooking and my favorites are family recipes for cookies. I also love experimenting with chili. I don't think we've ever had it the same way twice. The first time my husband and I had company over after we were married was a success. Everything was done on time and turned out just right, except the dessert that I cheated with. (I made a box mix that turned out smelling and tasting good, but it only looked good until I cut into it and the caramel stuck to the knife and crumbled the brownies. Next time, I'll just make the real thing.) At any rate, it made me far more confident with my cooking skills and I've continued to improve since then and branch into new areas. I don't think there is enough room on here to detail some of my experiences. Let's put it this way: when I first started cooking as a kid, I could ruin a box of macaroni and cheese.