My name is Andrea and I am officially a stay at home mom to three very busy boys (Cameron 6, Connor 4 and Ethan 19mos). I say this as up until the end of my mat leave in July 2008, I worked full time for a large telecommunications company for over 13 years. I have been married to my wonderful hubby for 10 years now. I never really enjoyed cooking too much while growing up, it was more of a chore. Once we got married, I slowly began 'dabbling' in some recipes. As the time has progressed, I have to say that it is now something I truly enjoy. I could sit and read cookbooks (or Allrecipes.com!) for hours and love to try out new recipes. With quite a hectic lifestyle and three very busy boys, I don't devote the time that I would like to, but am trying to take advantage as much as I can while I am home with them! I wouldn't say that I necessarily have 'favourites'...anything goes, especially if it turns out well and is well received by those I am serving it to! It is one of my greatest pleasures having family and friends truly enjoy what you have put your TLC into! With any dinner party we are having or function we are going to - family or friends - I aim to try at least something new. I also like to try and reflect some healthier choices in some things that I cook or bake and try to teach my boys while young the importance of healthy and balanced eating (whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, etc). Growing up, we would always do the typical Thanksgiving/Easter/Christmas dinners (turkey/mashed potatoes/veggies, etc), so those are things I will always cherish and want to carry on with my own family (although for now, each 'mom' still hosts these big family dinners). My mom has always been a really good cook and I can always remember her making homemade pastry - pies, butter tarts/tarts, etc. I think I have always been intimidated by trying to replicate her pastry cuz I think I'm always worried that it won't turn out to be 'just like mom's'! I have taken a few of her signature recipes though...ones that I loved while living at home - especially her homemade French Onion Soup which I have yet to try one better ANYWHERE! To me, anything that turns out really well, I feel I can consider a triumph. I just love trying out recipes, so if it's enjoyed by all, I guess I have succeeded! Well, the one tragedy that comes to mind was actually just over the Christmas holidays. I was broiling mini marshmallows on top of some brownies for some school treats for my oldest son and had set the broiler time for 5 mins. OOPS! Guess I should have figured that broiling is done at quite a high temp...let's just say that I did manage to get to the brownies before they were completely ruined and luckily I didn't burn my kitchen down (mini 'flames' begun as soon as I opened the oven)!! I was able to salvage them at least - skimming off the top 'charred' part...good thing they were having red and green sugar added to them! The brownie itself still tasted quite good!