I always loved cooking with my mom when I was younger, mostly baking. One of the first things I made was bread pudding and french toast. Unfortunatley, due to time and money I never kept it up through highschool and college. I started cooking more whole foods a few years ago for health and it's grown from there. Recently, although not necessary healthy, I've been baking for co-workers. Challenging desserts: cakes, pies, cookies etc. I like to challenge myself with some more complicated recipes. I enjoy the amazement and appreciation I see whenever I make something for others. I love honering traditions, whether family or others. It's not Thanksgiving without the greenbean casserole and pumkin pie. Spritz cookies (the green trees of course!) on Christmas. Irish soda bread on st. patty's day, fresh fruit salad in the summer. And of course I can't go back to Chicago without indulging in some deep dish pizza. Its hard to choose. I bake alot and apperently I'm pretty good at it. Many co-workers say I need to quit and open my own bakery!:) But my strawberry cake and oreo cheesecake have so far recieved the best compliments. Although I'm personally most pround of my "hershey's take five" cake because it's my own creation and was challenging. Without doubt my gingerbread biscotti. Although the taste was pretty good (if soaked in coffee or tea) it was VERY crunchy. I probably made alot of dentists happy that week ;) There also was this pineapple cheesecake that came out so awful that it was immediately thrown out, but since no one ever knew that I baked it does is still count?