A family of 4 - my big reason for cooking is for them comfort food. really "big taste" food. food that the spice does not overwhelm the flavor. Mom was a really good "basic cook", cook. Our ethnic background is WASP = pretty boring food - but, Mom gave me a wonderful appreciation for the taste of food. Since Mom's motto was, "you have to at least try it", I am up for most anything! Holiday meals I can't say that I've had a big one --- perhaps I am not adventuresome enough. My kids would say my biggest flop was anything that includes cous-cous. I have to admit, I just can't do a good cous-cous!