I love to cook for my big Irish-Italian family more than anybody, my dad especially. There's a great sense of self and joy in making something all your own, and sharing it doubles the experience. I'm 20-years-old and will begin studying forensics next fall. Until then I'm enjoying spending my last year at home and looking forward to the holidays. Anything that's simple, elegant and healthy. Raw vegetables and fruits. Mediterranean and American based dishes. Homemade desserts, mainly cookies and pies. My grandma's spaghetti. My mom's homemade green bean casserole and apple pie on Thanksgiving, and her cinnamon bread and 12-fruit salad on Christmas morning. Anytime my food turns out as planned and is enjoyed by others, is a triumph. Extra dry lasagna... which required a steak knife along with your fork. Luckily I have since redeemed myself. Baking homemade oatmeal-cranberry cookies at a foreign-to-me high altitude while skiing in Colorado.