When people ask me what my hobby is, I say COOKING!!! I love to cook just about anything, and almost all my free time is devoted to experimenting with new cuisines, flavors, and techniques. The rest of my life is devoted to my awesome career as a teacher, my husband, my family and friends, and of course my doggie, Izzy! And don't forget the wine tasting...Sonoma is just a short drive away ;-) I love to cook things that are complicated or stretch my "culinary expertise." I also like to make simple meals more extravagant and pretty. Lately, I have been trying to make my meals more healthy,and add some whole grains to the mix (flaxseed and whole grain bread...yummie!) In my house....Friday night is usually junk food night. I try really had to fix healthy meals during the week, but Friday is usually cheesesteaks, pizza, chili fries, garlic fries...or anything in the deep fryer! I also love the holiday traditions of cooking together all day...but my mom is on a no cooking kick after sending her fourth kid to college...go figure! Since my honeymoon (Summer'08), I have been inspired to replicate fancy 5 to 9 course meals. Boy has this been a big hit with my friends! All of my raw dishes have gotten rave reviews...don't worry, I have a sushi grade market down the street (it pays to live near Japan Town). Infused oils are also pretty awesome...my fav. is vanilla infused extra virgin olive oil with lemon granita on a butterlettuce and mahimahi salad. BURNT BREAD!!!! I get really distracted with other parts of a meal, and I just can't seem to remember that the bread is toasting in the oven...I'm sure my neighbors love hearing the fire alarm go off at least oncea week...sorry neighbors!!!