I am 50 yrs young,engaged and been with my finacee of 4 1/2 yrs. I learned about cooking from both my grandmothers. One of my grandfathers did cook flank steak, some roasts. But cooking, sewing, canning I learned from them. They were my greatest influence. And from there I would read all cookbooks I could, I watch food network to learn new techniques and healthier ways to cook. I have MSG allergy, so most of my world has been turned upside down now. I have to read every label, cook more from scratch. Try to find recipes MSG free, which is harder than you can realize,because it's in so many things. Also I am an Artist/Poet. I do oil paintings, oil pastels, charcoal, pen and ink or pencil, wanting to add woodworking soon. I love to cook things in my crockpot, like right now i am cooking a turkey breast and you can smell it throughout my apt. Kentucky hot browns are common where i live. I used to cook fried chicken, but now i cook skinless,boneless chicken tenders in a nonstick skillet. I cook rice dishes, casseroles. I am trying new recipes alot due to our health issues. My one grandmother taught me how to make her fried pies, she had her own apple and peach trees in the backyard we would pick, and she had her own dough recipes. But she told me if i was in a hurry i could use regular store bisquits, which i have and it turns out great. Pot roasts, 15 bean soups, potato soups. I used to make at Christmas baskets ups of 3 types of breads, usually cranberry orange, chocolate mint, and pumpkin bread, plus cookies, candies (bought) i knew some relatives liked, i would crochet them afaghans, or doilies. My other grandmother made a salad she called a spring salad, when it was made nothing was left in the bowl, i was lucky to get her cookbook she used for many years, there are * next to many she did. This grandmother is the one who taught me to sew and crochet, and can foods, and i got my love of gardening from both ladies. I miss the way i used to garden now due to arthritis. Latest was introducing my finacee who is from Illinois to a Kentucky Hot Brown, which we have since adapted many other versions. lol. ps...He loves it. Relearning recipes for him since there are somethings we do not both like. And cooking more dishes now, due to that and my health issues. Overcoming 2 bad abusive marriages where i was constantly put down on my cooking, and then having a son who was not much different. My finacee has helped given me confidence back to where i know now I was a good cook all along. Letting too many years go by feeling i was inferior in the kitchen by 2 men and a son.