I have always enjoyed cooking, and have been doing so for about 35 yrs, but in the last 5 yrs have become much better. I have always collected cookbooks, and enjoy perusing them for ideas. I haven't always been successful when trying new recipes because I haven't always completely understood some of the techniques, etc. However, since I have become a Food Network junkie in the last few years, I feel so much more comfortable in the kitchen. I still love cookbooks, but now read them mostly as "food for thought". I seldom follow a recipe, and am much more likely to follow my instincts instead. One of my cooking challenges is my teeny tiny kitchen, but have managed to make it work for me. Pulled Pork, Chili, Pizza, Soups, Roasts (beef, pork, chicken), Vegetable casseroles, anything that I haven't cooked before. None really so I am creating my own. For me it's a really good day when I can take whatever food is available, throw together a meal, and get rave reviews from my family and friends. The Thanksgiving turkey that appeared completely done on top, and internal temp was OK, but the bottom was way underdone, a fact that I didn't discover until AFTER dinner. Luckily no one was harmed.