I have been cooking regularly and experimenting since I was 8yrs (I was born in 1985). In my early cooking years I was known as a terrible baker, cooked just fine, but baked horribly, and rightly so I had this reputation, I almost vomited a few times from tasting my own creations. I have always been a bit of a free spirit when it comes to cooking and very rarely follow recipes, except on things I have no experience in. Once I have mastered it, I come up with a recipes of my own. :) Hmmm That's a toughy. I love making soups and sauces probably the best b/c I think they allow the highest amounts of creativity and freedom. :) We have none, I am sad to say, well not in the immediate family anyway. However, my still living grandma makes polish food and has given me a love for it as well (I am half polish) :). Especially perogis!!!! I am not sure I have any specific triumphs. I have a lot of tragedies, some I also already told you. :)