As a single parent of three, I first learned how to cook mostly because it was cheaper than buying the so-called "convenience" foods. Now I do cook for the joy of it -- new flavours, textures -- exposing my family to new and exciting things. I love trying out new recipes for meals but I follow in my grandmother's footsteps in my absolute joy of baking -- pies, cakes, cookies, what have you -- I just adore baking. My entire family takes turns cooking dinner during the week (even the youngest). We end up with some pretty interesting meals but it sure is wonderful to see how proud the kids are of what they have accomplished. My favourite trimuph occured at Thanksgiving. At the table were 14 people, 13 of whom were self-professed "pumkin-haters." When I served my fabulous 4-layer pumpkin cake, everyone took a piece "to be polite." There was not a crumb left over as everyone fought over the remaining pieces! No matter how hard I try, I just cannot make lemon anything from "scratch" -- lemon bars, pies, squares, etc. -- all doomed to failure. I guess it's to keep me humble!