I was raised in a small town in Northern Michigan and was not exposed to any ethnic foods, pizza was as good as it got and then it was from a box of Chef Boyarde. We were a family of five, I have one sister and had a brother. When dinner was served, which was exactly at 6:00 PM we were call by name from our front porch, as I said, it was a very small town. Vegetables came from a can a 1 can fed all 5 of us so I didn't come from an extravagant background. I moved to Ann Arbor when I was 17 and quickly became familiar with ethnic cuiseane. I moved in with a friend who was 8 years my senior who had tons of experience cooking, especially oriential which is now one of my favorites. I can cook just about anything, but don't ask me to bake. I recently had a bash over Labor Day weekend and had to make one cake 3 times. Baking is an art and you have to be exact, cooking can be done with a flair for flavor and can be accomplished while drinking wine. Generally, I do this alone. It's my hobby and one I do well. If I clean house I'm all over the house moving from room to room and accomplishing little. Cooking is where I can focus and do my best with creativity. I have been cooking for approximately 28 years. I have had many ask that I prepare for their parties. I create the menu they purchase and I prepare. I recently made all of the appetizers for an out door wedding so that pictures could be taken. It was a real compliment that some bride had enough confidence to allow me to prepare for her special day. I also prepared for many a party for my sister who hosted for her husband who had business parties at their home. Now, I cook for my friends and have had 4 parties from June to September where there were approximately 50 in attendance. Every party I attempt to make something new and exciting for all my friends who love good food.