I am in my late 20's and began 'serious' cooking together with my college roommate where we tried to find the most challenging recipes and become 'gourmet chefs.' We weren't always successful... but most importantly we had a great time, learned a LOT about cooking, and most definitely expanded our herb-selection :) My hubby is grateful for my previous exploits! hmm... probably casseroles. Throw everything together ahead of time then bake it as company arrives. Voila! Although I love making desserts, pastas/pizzas, and any new dish that turns out great :) Every year at Christmas my grandmother used to bring her special "Peanut Butter Balls." They're a pain in the butt to roll and cover wth chocolate, but the end result is so delicious and definitely worth the effort. My first Thanksgiving-- Easy Herb Roasted Turkey, Ibby's Pumpkin Mushroom Stuffing, Fresh Herb Dinner Rolls, Grandma's Green Bean Casserole, Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole,and Mrs. Sigg's Fresh Pumpkin Pie. Everything was absolutely perfect! I was proud of myself and everyone enjoyed! My first attempt at making pierogies for my husband and brother/sister-in-law. I thought I had prepared everything in advanced but had added the wrong amounts of one of the ingredients to the dough and it was ruined! Their family knows me as the "cooking queen" so I was so embarassed by this mishap--lesson learned for the next time!