I am a true southern girl that comes from a long line of great cooks. My grandfther, mother, grandmothers, and aunts have all influenced my style of cooking. I am a southern cook, but I like to try make dishes from different cuisines and cultures. Being a teacher with a diverse group of students I find that food is one way human beings all connect. I reach out to my students by cooking dishes that represent where their families come from. Because I am from the south I really enjoy cooking southern foods like gumbo, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and corn bread. I also enjoy cooking Italian dishes like manicotti and lasagna. Growing up, my mom made it a tradition that on Thanksgiving, my sister and I join her in preparing the meal. We would all get up early and put on some Al Green or Aretha Franklin and just sing, cook, and bond with one another. Thanksgiving is the only time of year that my sister and I look forward to waking up early!!!