I have always enjoyed cooking, but I only cooked for my family. I have had issues with my weight for years and became an expert at lo-cal foods (most of which I loathe). 3 years ago, I had a gastric bypass. The reason I mention this is because thereafter, I became fascinated with baking, candy making--the more fat and sugar the better. I do not eat these treats myself, (well maybe the occasional truffle), but give them out at work, to the neighbors, and to my grown kids (I overheard my eldest daughter talking to her sister--"She's giving me two cakes a week. We have to stop her!"). I have become the "Truffle Lady" at my workplace. My colleagues groan and accuse me of sabatoging their diets, but at the end of the day, those truffles are gone! I love to cook the Big Meal for the holidays. Brined turkey, stuffing, potatoes, several other sides will keep me cooking all day long- I love it. I also make a lot of soups of all kinds. Following my brothers' lead in the kitchen. My Mother was an angel, but had no imagination when it came to cooking. Both of my brothers became gourmet cooks and I like to think I have become as good as they are. On Thanksgiving I have to admit I made a wonderful brined moist turkey-the veggie casserole was perfect and the stuffing was divine. Even my kids who don't like veggies ate it up and asked for more. I also have a sixth sense when it comes to dallying around with soup recipes-making them more flavorful and hearty. I made a cake for holiday dinner last year and I forgot to put sugar in it. Now I can laugh when I remember the looks on everyone's face as they tried to eat it and not hurt my feelings. Needless to say, when I tasted my piece I knew immediately what I had done. Also, when I was a newlywed, I made spaghetti for my husband and didn't drain the ground beef. It was a greasy, nasty mess. I am sure there have been many others, but I must have suppressed them.