I was most fortunate having grown up in a family who not only loves to garden their own vegetables but also loves to cook.My Great Aunt Nellie was probably my first influence-everyone always thought she was THE BEST cook...and no wonder-her motto seemed to be "if you cook everything noone will be disappointed".I remember her making a cold asparagus soup once when I was,maybe 8.Naturally it was cold AND GREEN-so I was appalled but I remember thinking she was great cause she made it look so good.My grandmother and mom are also huge influences.They can cook and bake like noones business. anything really...even if it turns out horrible I manage to have a blast just trying.My current project is learning how to use the pastry bag and tips my Mom bought me for xmas.I have a 4 year old daughter so I would like to build my "know how" in cake decorating to make her birthdays and holidays special. We have cook offs on everyones birthday.And the birthday boygirl gets to declare a winner.Ex:for my Mom it was a potato soup contest,for Dad a chili cook-off...etc.It's great fun and gets everyone into cooking. Last year I managed to finally pull off the best Turkey for Thanksgiving I honestly think I have ever eaten!!Sound a little arrogant I know...but a year later I can still practically taste it!!!mmm..mmm..mmmm years ago I had a gas oven...not having ever used one before...I thought I would try broiling my lasagna the last few minutes...well,next thing I knew the entire top layer was ON FIRE!!!Sad thing is,after I peeled off the top layer-I think it was the best one I ever made.Oh well...it still gives my aunt a good laugh so I guess it was worth it!!!