I have a large and very ethnically mixed family. This usually makes for interesting meals in my home. Even though I have been exposed to so many different cuisines I am basically a meat-and-potatoes gal, so my best dishes always involve some sort of beef or pork. I enjoy making a good slow-cooked shredded beef with classic black beans and white rice. I also enjoy cooking many seafood dishes, especially stews. West Indian/Carribean food always tops my list of favorite things to cook (and eat)! My father is the big cook in my family. My father was an expert padeiro (bread baker) so his breads are absolutely fantastic. Sitting in a warm kitchen and watching him knead dough, the smell of olive oil, the waiting--all wonderful memories. One Christmas I was expecting a rather large group of people to come to my house, so it was a timing challenge because I was expected to also work on Christmas day. Luckily my job was only 4 blocks from my home, so at different intervals during the day I would run home and start up the oven for my roasts, chop the vegetables, brown the meats, peel the potatoes and start working on the dough for my bread. It was quite a great experience to walk around work with a kitchen timer in my hand and having to excuse myself to go home and chop some onions! It was great fun and everyone raved for days about my food. My sister in law took all the leftovers home with her! I can't say that I have had any!