I am trying to enjoy cooking on a budget while living in Northern Virginia. Excited to be living in the States again because of access to all my wished for ingredients, but cringing at the prices! I have always been a complete foodie and can honestly say I think about food at least 70% of the day :) I discovered cooking and baking relatively late in life---having a mother that cooks like a pro can make you lazy (and intimidated!). Now that I have discovered my love for cooking, reading and researching recipes (and of course testing them out) has become my passion. I love to bake and to make anything sweet. I also prefer to cook new recipes. My husband always complains that we never have the same thing twice. My mother is an amazing cook--very natural. She makes wonderful rich (aka bad for you) food. Growing up she was always testing out new dishes and making us at least try everything. I have carried over her tradition of searching out new and interesting recipes--and unfortunately, her tendency towards cooking decadent foods. I make 6-8 different kinds of Christmas cookies each year and host a "Cookies and Cocoa" party to share my treats and enjoy the season. It is a big hit every year! I can not seem to make a decent pie crust to save my life and my roasts always taste lacking. Hmmmm....