Until recently I never cooked, or if I did it was simply putting something in the microwave or boiling water. I have found though that when I bake I can have my own time. No one is allowed in the kitchen until the item is done (either my mom or my fiancé, depending on the location). It is a chance for me to spend time alone that results in something I can share...well most of the time =) My favorite things to cook are those that turn out. I am still new enough to cooking that I need to follow the directions perfectly for the food to look and tast right. My only real cooking tradtion is making my great-grandmother's recipe for chocolate chip cookies as a thank you. These aren't the regular chocolate chip cookies mind you...there is a "secret ingredient" to make them really gooey! I've gotten much better at baking a variety of dishes including creme brule and four layer decorated cakes :) Tragedies...um there isn't enough room here to list them all.