I've just recently been able to do cooking for myself, as I just moved out of my parents house. I've been trying to challenge myself with making good tasting food that's good for me, and also fits my budget.
My favorite things to cook
I love stir-fries, and anything I can use my rice-maker for. I also enjoy using my pressure cooker to make quick soups. I enjoy foods that really bring out the true flavor of grain or vegetables, and don't cover them up with sauces.
My favorite family cooking traditions
My family gets together and eats for the holidays (typically breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack, dinner, afterdinner.. etc..), and one of my favorite traditions is the breakfast sausage casserole that gets served for lunch. Nothing made with 18 eggs, a quart of milk, bread, and sausage can taste bad!
My cooking triumphs
Getting used to my pressure cooker, and becoming sufficient at making soups with it. Another triumph I've had is the ability to use a knife somewhat efficiently, using proper form to cut down on the time I spend chopping up foods.
My cooking tragedies
Too many to list...