I am basically a self taught cook. By no means a chef ... definitely a foodie. I'm open to trying all types of recipes. I am originally from New Jersey and live in NOrCal the bay area. Living in New Jersey -stoned throw away from Manhattan and the existing boroughs of NYC. You can't help but to be exposed to all the different cultures that there are in the tris-state area. There you have the opportunity to try so many different types of food. Living in the Bay area you have that and then you have all the great farmers who take such great pride in the quality of their produce and meats. Here they are so creative when it comes to food and love the influence it has on me. I will share some great recipes here, I hope you enjoy it. Hope to make some bellies sing with happiness.... Bon Appetite... not sure about this yet.... I need to come back to this question... okay so I am Puerto Rican and living in Norcal has made me really appreciate my family cooking since Puerto Ricans are scarce on this side of the coast.. so when I go back home for a visit... I can't wait for a plate of my favorite latin foods..... Like arroz moro.... pernil ... tostones.... arroz con gandules.... chorizo( the spanish kind) not the mexican one.... empanadas ... croquettas ... cuban sandwiches... etc..... i will have to come back to this question. oooh man ... I certainly have had some tragedies...