I started experimenting with recipes as a child and considered cooking professionally. I've always liked bringing joy to people through food. Now that I have a child, I look for quick & easy ways to feed the family. My daughter (3 1/2) loves to help me in the kitchen so I usually make simple things so she can help. I am looking forward to getting back into the "gourmet" aspect of cooking once she is older. For now, we eat a lot of preschooler-friendly foods (i.e...not too spicy, not to fancy). Anything I can prepare in less than 30 mins. or leave to cook without watching the stove. I like to use a crock-pot, grill, and steam bags. We eat a lot of simple Italian and Mexican foods; stews and roasts; grilled meats & veggies; and of course, macaroni & cheese and hot dogs for our daughter. (see above) Every year before Christmas my mom would make a huge batch of fantastic tamales. Finally, one year she asked if I wanted to help her and she taught me the long, time consuming process. We had a great time together. She moved out of state, so we can't make them together anymore. One of these years I will make them on my own (when I can find the time) and eventually teach my daughter as well. When I was about 24, I cooked my first Thanksgiving dinner and everything turned out great. I lived in a small apartment with a tiny kithchen and I was able to do a big turkey, stuffing, etc. all from scratch and it all turned out super. I'm proud of that accomplishment. Now, more than 10 years later, I rarely attempt such a feast. I'm unable to be the perfectionist I once was. The 'big one' was when I made blackened salmon several years ago. I had no idea how much smoke would be produced. We had to open up all the doors and windows and most of the smoke alarms went off. Smoke was billowing out of the house as if the house was on fire. Fortunately, the salmon turned out fine, great actually. It was some of the best salmon I've ever eaten. Now of course, I know that it's best to order "blackened" foods from a restaurant, where they can cook it in a well-ventilated kitchen.