I love to travel above all else and have enjoyed the time we were able to spend in Europe - especially Italy - eating and drinking wine at little trattorias located off the beaten path. I am now unemployed, after working for 30+ years of my life, it's a new experience. I've been focusing on cooking, sewing - looking to vastly improve those old "home ec" things I learned in junior high. In addition, I collect and LOVE to read cookbooks - especially those featuring the history of food, cooking techniques and certain dishes. Reading a good cookbook is like reading a good novel to me! Pasta dishes, BBQ, salads - any kind, soups, stews and chowders. My Mom taught me how to make donuts when I was about eight years old. It was one of my favorite ways to spend time with her. My Lasagna, Spaghetti Pie, Corn Chowder, Clam Chowder, Pork Green Chili Burritos, Baked Ziti, any Roasted Chicken or Turkey. Potato Leek Gratin - wow, what a disaster! My cheese separated and my potatoes never fully cooked.