Married, no kids . . . in school to become an Registered Nurse. Have extra time to try new recipes this summer while on summer break. I love grilling and getting that perfect pink center on a steak or a perfectly juicy chicken breast. My husband loves when I make spaghetti and meatballs - lots of garlic for him! Since our move to California about 5 years ago, I have taken over Thanksgiving dinner from my mother-in-law. The in-laws travel out from Chicago to visit sunny Southern California every year for the holiday. I have to say, that first year was such a thrill to put out a huge spread of food for the holiday, and have my mother-in-law begging for the recipes. Definite ego booster! Cookies are tragic in my house - I had to give up the attempt at the basic choc-chip cookie after my previous attempts turn into one big sheet of cookie surprise. I leave the baking to the professionals.