I am a personal trainer and am always trying to find ways to make meals better for my clients. i.e. banana "protein" bread. I have had lots of "oops, that doesn't work" experiences, but yummy ones too! I enjoy cooking and making life taste good while incorporating a healthy twist on everything. I love to bake! I love the smell of fresh baked oatmeal cookies, banana bread, and blueberry muffins! I come from a HUGE Italian-Irish family and food is our motto. "we know how to eat and we know how to drink!". As for traditions, the Italian side takes over for sure! One of my Nanna's favorite things to make, that has been passed down, is italian sausage with pasta. Mmmmm-mmmmm! The chocolate chip cookie - hands down! Anytime, anywhere! I know, I know, it is SIMPLE and EASY...but I LOVE the way they turn out when I make 'em. And every time I bake these for others - whether sending them in the mail or delivering personally - I always get rave reviews. So that's it, I'm sticking with the chocolate chip cookie as my "cooking triumph"! Oh, I have plenty to tell! My most recent would be the "healthy" brownies that I attempted to make my lovely soon-to-be husband. Needless to say, sometimes cutting sugar is a recipe for disaster (or rather a funky tasting brownie!).